With the likes of Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray breathing down his neck, the current world no.1, Novak Djokovic has vowed to defend his top spot as he seeks to win his fourth China Open title.
With the likes of Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray breathing down his neck, the current world no.1, Novak Djokovic has vowed to defend his top spot as he seeks to win his fourth China Open title.
The 26-year-old Serb who won the Australian Open this year has recently become the ninth player to hold the world No.1 ranking for at least 100 weeks. Novak who joined Roger Federer and Pete Sampras said, “It means a lot because it’s a result that comes from hard work that we put in all these years. I owe a lot to my team, my family, all the friends and people who are close to me in my life.”
Novak who has won the China Open in 2009, 2010 and 2012, claimed that he faces a tough challenge to defend the numero uno spot. And when asked who is a tougher opposition? Answer was unanimous, Rafael Nadal. The US Open champ has 22 straight hardcourt wins this season and if he reaches the final here, would replace Djokovic as the world no.1 in tennis.
Djokovic adds, “With no doubt he has the best result this year, he’s been the best player in the world this season,” said Djokovic. “I want to focus on this week’s China Open because this is where I traditionally play well, and I would like to have another successful week.”
Few years ago, the tennis world loved the rivalry shared between Rafael Nadal and Swiss master, Roger Federer but now times have changed. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are ready to take this ‘rivalry’ to a whole new level, so be prepared to witness some masterclass strokes!
-With additional inputs from IANS
