Novak Djokovic guaranteed to finish year as world number one

Novak Djokovic (GETTY IMAGES)

Novak Djokovic is guaranteed to finish the year ranked number one in the world, the ATP confirmed today.

The Serbian lost top spot to Roger Federer when the 31-year-old won Wimbledon in the summer but will regain it on Monday after his rival opted not to defend his title at the Paris Masters this week.

And, because Federer is also the defending champion at next week's season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London, he will be unable to gain enough points to overhaul Djokovic.

The 25-year-old becomes the first player to finish consecutive years at number one since Federer held the spot at the end of four straight seasons from 2004 to 2007.

Djokovic has failed to emulate his stunning 2011 season, where he won 10 titles, including three grand slam crowns, but he has enjoyed another superb year.

He began the season by successfully defending his Australian Open crown and also reached the finals at the French and US Opens as well as winning four ATP World Tour titles.

PA