World number one Novak Djokovic said that he’s not going to easily relinquish the top ranking to rival Rafael Nadal as there are still a number of tournaments to play until the end of the season. In the ATP rankings released on Monday, September 9, Djokovic still retained the number one ranking after losing the US Open final to Nadal albeit with only a 120-point difference.
“I’m still No. 1 of the world in the rankings, but he has more chances to end up [at year’s end] as No. 1,” Djokovic said. “Look, there are still tournaments to go. We’ll see. I will just try to prepare myself for China.”
Unfortunately for Djokovic, his next two tournaments won’t give him the opportunity to gain ranking points. He’s the defending champion at the China Open in Beijing and Shanghai Rolex Masters.
“Many times you fall as an athlete, and you have to learn the lesson and keep on going, keep on fighting, keep on improving.”
Despite losing the US Open 2013 final, Djokovic believes that there are still many more opportunities to win Grand Slam titles in the future.
“I’m still 26, and I believe the best time for my career is about to come. I feel that. I believe that. As long as I believe it, the fire of the love towards the game is inside of me. And as long as that’s present, as long as I feel it, I’m going to play this sport with all my heart, as I did for the last 10 years.”
