Novak Djokovic expressed no surprise on Monday that his world No.1 ranking is in the sights of on-form Roger Federer.
Djokovic, top seed at the Paris Masters ahead of the No.2 Swiss, will play his first match as a new father in the second round when he faces German Philipp Kohlschreiber, who beat Eduardo Roger-Vasselin 6-3 6-1.
“Of course, Roger is playing some great tennis, and he showed that before the US Open, (then at) US Open, and then of course winning Shanghai and now winning Basel,” said the 27-year-old Serb said.
“He’s coming close in the ranking, I’m sure that he’s going to be very motivated to fight for number one, it’s pretty much open.”
With Djokovic leading by less than 500 points in the race to year-end top honours, every match in Paris and next month’s season finals in London will be key for the top two.
In addition, six men are still battling to qualify into the last four spots in the season-ending field.
“I defend a lot of points here (and) in London, but over the years I have been playing well in Paris and in London,” said Paris holder Djokovic, who has also won the last two London editions.
“Under the circumstances I tried to get as many hours on the court as possible, I’ll focus all my and attention on this tournament and take one match at a time.”
Djokovic admits he’s facing a battle as 17-time grand slam winner Federer hits his stride this season with titles at three of his last four events.
“For both of us, the goal is to finish the season on number one. We both are playing well, and that’s something that is definitely going to play a big role in the upcoming weeks.” Djokovic added that Federer can never be counted out.
“I never honestly rule him out in any year, even last year – his worst in ten years. This year he came out strong again, competing for grand slam titles. I never thought that he’s not a competition for number one.
“He one of the best players in the world, and he keeps on proving to everybody that he deserves to be there. Age is not an issue for him,” he said of the 33-year-old Swiss.
“As a matter of fact, I think he’s playing some of his best tennis this year.”
In the year-end ranking race, 2,500 points are up for grabs between Paris and the eight-man London final.
With titles in three of his last four events and five from the season, Federer is the current form horse of the Tour.
“It would be very special to reclaim No.1,” said Federer. “No.1 is what it’s all about in our game.
“With the year I have had and the amount of finals I have played, the level of tennis I have played, I am pleased to see that I have a shot.
