Monday, September 30, 2013

Djokovic Desperate to Hang onto Top Spot

Djokovic Desperate to Hang onto Top Spot

Novak Djokovic has warned the in-form Rafael Nadal that he will not give up the number-one spot in the rankings without a fight. The pair headline the men's draw at the ATP China Open, with defending champion, Djokovic, desperate to finish 2013 at the top of the rankings.

Nadal, a perennial favourite in the Betfair odds, is just 260 ranking points behind the Serb and could replace him for the first time since July 2011 with a strong week in Beijing.

The Spaniard has been in incredible form since returning from a seven-month injury break, collecting 10 titles since his return to action - including a record eighth French Open crown - before going on to beat Djokovic in the final of the US Open earlier this month.

While Djokovic acknowledged that the current world No 2 has been more consistent than him this year, the Serbian star is confident he can reproduce the form which has seen him unbeaten in three visits to the Chinese capital, following wins in 2009, 2010, and last year’s success.

"As long as there is a chance, I will fight for that top spot," said Djokovic. "But, again, with no doubt Rafa has the best results this year.

“This year, he has been the best player in the world. I have been having ups and downs throughout this year. But still it was a quite good season for me, but it's not over,” added the six-time Grand Slam champion.

Nadal has been this year’s dominant force on the tour but some Betfair pundits have suggested that the Serb will finish 2013 at the top of the rankings, if he can keep winning in the run-up to the end of the year.