Novak Djokovic plays a backhand during his singles semifinal match against Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday in Paris, France. Photo: VCG

Novak Djokovic gained some consolation for missing out on a Grand Slam sweep this year when he was crowned season-ending world No.1 for a record seventh time on Saturday.

The 34-year-old Serbian had jointly held the record of six with Pete Sampras but took sole possession when he beat Poland's Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 6-0, 7-6 (7/5) to reach the Paris Masters final.

Djokovic had taken a seven-week break after his dreams of a Grand Slam were dashed by Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final in September.

However, the 20-time Grand Slam champion said Friday the main reason for his return last week was to seal the No.1 spot and break the record.

"It is a dream for me as Pete was my idol when I was a young boy," said Djokovic.

"To arrive at this moment is not just my achievement but my team's. It is wonderful to be in this position.

"I am very proud to finish No.1 and what a match to do it in. It was so tight right to the last point but I am a very happy man now obviously.

"I am overwhelmed with all the beautiful positive emotions."

Djokovic - who broke Roger ­Federer's record of weeks at No.1 ­earlier this year - said it was hard to rank his records.

"Being historically No.1 ranked player in the world is probably the paramount achievement of our sport," said Djokovic.

"It's difficult for me to understand the magnitude of these achievements, you know, not just for myself but for the sport while I'm still an active player.

"Probably when I retire, I'll be able to reflect on that a little bit more and appreciate it a little bit more."

Djokovic can take some satisfaction that he denied Medvedev the world No.1 spot, though the Russian ­admitted his chances of toppling the Serbian were slim.

The two will meet in Sunday's final after title holder Medvedev crushed the man he beat in last year's final, ­Alexander Zverev, 6-2, 6-2 in the second semifinal.

It was a rude awakening for Zverev who had come to Paris seeking his sixth title of the year after winning in Vienna in the previous week.

Djokovic and Medvedev - who calls the Serbian "his friend" - said he hoped he would be able to put up a better performance than in the US Open final.

"Last time we played, he outplayed me," said Djokovic.

"I outplayed him in the finals of the Australian Open. It was quite straightforward matches, both of them.

"Hopefully I'll be able to turn the tables around this time, learning from that experience in New York.

"But he is back to his best and seems to be in the groove."