Novak Djokovic Throws Down a Challenge to Nadal

Written by: on 29th September 2013
Tennis China Open
Novak Djokovic Throws Down a Challenge to Nadal

epa03886190 Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a return during an exhibition match against Chinese female tennis player Li Na as part of the China Open tennis tournament at the National Tennis Center in Beijing, China, 27 September 2013. The China Open will run until 06 October. EPA/ROLEX DELA PENA  |

Novak Djokovic has laid down a China challenge to Rafael Nadal less than a month after losing to the Spaniard in the US Open final. The top two on the ÀTP are seeded for finals meetings over the next fortnight, at this week’s event in Beijing and next week in Shanghai at the Masters 1000 where Roger Federer will also join the field.

Djokovic maintains a narrow margin atop the ATP rankings, but is under heavy pressure from Nadal as the Spaniard who has won ten titles already this season plays with no autumn points to defend.

But Djokovic is not about to cede his top spot without a massive battle. “As long as there is a chance, I will fight for that top spot. No doubt that he has the best results this year, he’s been the best player in the world,” he said.

“I’ve have been having ups and downs throughout this season, but still it was a quite good season for me – and it’s not over. I want to focus on the China Open because this is where I traditionally play well, and I would like to have another successful week,” said the winner of three of the last four editions in the capital.

The Serb is unbeaten in all three of his visits to the event. The dual women’s event also marked the return to play of US Open winner Serena Williams, assured of ending 2013 as world No. 1 on the WTA.

 

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