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Djokovic sees no surprise in return to No. 1
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NOVAK Djokovic insists he won’t be surprised if he wins his battle with Andy Murray and returns to the top of the world rankings just two weeks after surrendering pole position.
Djokovic’s 122-week reign as No. 1 was ended by Murray when the Scot won the Paris Masters, but the race to secure first place in the year-end rankings is set for a dramatic conclusion at the ATP World Tour Finals.
Djokovic is through to the semi-finals with three successive victories after drubbing Belgium’s David Goffin 6-1, 6-2 at London’s O2 Arena on Thursday.
The world No. 2 has to wait to discover his opponent in today’s semifinals, but it will be one of Murray, Stan Wawrinka or Kei Nishikori.
Murray has won both his matches but still needs a victory against Wawrinka yesterday to avoid meeting Djokovic before the final.
Regardless of what Murray does, Djokovic has his fate in his own hands as he is certain to overtake the Scot if he wins the Tour Finals for a fifth successive year and record-equalling sixth time. That turn of events would be the perfect way to round off an oddly inconsistent season for the Serb, who has struggled since winning the Australian and French Opens earlier this year.
Asked if he would be surprised to regain the top ranking so soon after losing it, Djokovic said: “Well, I have not the same perception of ‘surprise’ as you do. To me, that wouldn’t be a surprise.”
Djokovic has lost just one match at the Tour Finals since 2012, while Murray has never reached the final.
The Scot might not be best placed to hold off Djokovic’s charge as he will have to play three days in a row following his three-hour marathon win against Nishikori on Wednesday, while his rival has a day to rest.
“That’s obviously something that you wish for as a player, to have everything in your hands, not to depend on other players,” Djokovic said.
“In this particular case, I’m glad that it’s like that. Everything has been going in a positive direction.
“I’ve been playing better and better as I proceed in the tournament. I have now a day of rest. I’m looking forward really.”
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