Djokovic calls recent run, return to No. 1 a 'phenomenal achievement'

WATCH: Novak Djokovic at the Paris Masters

Novak Djokovic came to the Paris Masters looking to reclaim the ATP No. 1 ranking, and with Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from the tournament, he's done just that.

Djokovic trailed Nadal by just 215 ranking points as the week began, and ensured that he'll supplant the Spaniard when he won his opening-round match over Joao Sousa, 7-5, 6-1. He then reached the quarterfinals with his 20th consecutive victory to underline the achievement.

"I'm obviously very proud," Djokovic told press following his third-round win at Paris, a 6-1, 6-1 (ret.) victory over Damir Dzuhmur. "But I haven't really been reflecting on that. It'll be different when I finish this tournament."

Djokovic fell to as low as No. 22 this season following elbow surgery, but has since won Wimbledon, the Cincinnati Masters, the US Open and the Shanghai Masters.

The Serb acknowledged that it had been quite a run even by his standards.

"Reflecting on what I've been through it's quite a phenomenal achievement," he said. "I'm very, very happy and proud—five months ago if you told me that, I always believe in myself, but it was highly improbable considering my ranking and the way I played and felt on the court."

He is now aiming to finish the season with the No. 1 position.

It will be the first time since 2016 that Djokovic has been at the top of the rankings.

This Week on Tennis Channel PLUS:

ATP Paris (Mon - Sun 10.29 - 11.4)
- Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic headline the ATP Rolex Paris Masters. Watch live coverage from three courts on Tennis Channel PLUS beginning Monday 10/29 at 6:00 AM EST.

WTA Zhuhai (Mon - Sun 10.29 - 11.4)
- Tennis Channel PLUS has live action of Zhuhai starting Tuesday 10/30 at 12:30 AM EST

USTA Tyler (Tue - Sun 10.30 - 11.4)
-Tennis Channel PLUS features live competition and on-demand coverage of every WTA match from USTA Tyler beginning Tuesday 10/30 11:00 AM EST