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Djokovic targets No.1 ranking


 

Originally published on: 08/10/12 00:00

Novak Djokovic closed the gap at the top of the world rankings after victory in Beijing and the 25-year-old now has his sights firmly set on dethroning world No.1 Roger Federer before the year’s out.

“That’s the target,” said the Serb after his straight-set win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the China Open final. “This will definitely help me in that race, but it’s still quite open. There are still tournaments to come, big ones.”

Djokovic, who currently sits 1,335 points behind Federer in second place, can leapfrog his Swiss rival at this week’s Shanghai Rolex Masters if he wins the title and Federer – playing in his first tournament since Davis Cup over three weeks ago – fails to make the quarter finals.

“I want to try to get as far as I can in the tournament, obviously taking one match at a time as I always do,” added Djokovic.

Federer, who received a bye in the first round in Shanghai, will face the winner of qualifier Yen-Hsun Lu and wildcard Ze Zhang in round two before a potential matchup with compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka in round three. 

“I hope I will finish world No. 1 at the end of the year,” said Federer, who historically plays well towards the end of the season. “For me it’s about trying to play well here in Shanghai and go from there.”

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.