Novak Djokovic outlasted Fernando Verdasco of Spain on Thursday 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 to reach the China Open 2013 quarterfinals which means he’s still holding on to the number one ranking. The three-time Beijing champion needs to at least defend the title to have a shot of retaining the top ranking by the end of the week. However, if Spain’s Rafael Nadal reaches the final, the Serb will relinquish the number one ranking.
“I try to do what I need to do, and that is to win the matches,” said Djokovic. “Rankings will change. They change all the time. Over the years it has been the case. But you can’t think too much about it. Your job is to win as many matches as possible and the rankings will follow the results that you make.”
Djokovic is aiming to win his first title since his Monte-Carlo Masters victory in April. His last title victory involved defeating eight-time champion Rafael Nadal in the final.
Djokovic’s quarterfinal opponent is Sam Querrey of United States. Querrey upset sixth-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland.
