Novak Djokovic admits he isn’t letting the battle for the year-end world No 1 with Rafael Nadal consume him too much as he bids for glory at the Paris Masters.
Nadal will replace Djokovic as the new world No 1 next month, regardless of what happens at the Paris Masters this week.
The Serbian has held the position at the top of the men’s rankings for most of the year having won both the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
But Nadal’s triumph at the US Open, along with Djokovic’s exit in the fourth round, put the Spaniard in prime position to hold the year-end No 1 ranking.
Nadal can move level with Djokovic and Roger Federer if he achieves the feat with it being the fifth time he would have been the year-end No 1.
Djokovic meanwhile is aiming to equal Pete Sampras’ record of six, although the American managed his in consecutive years as he dominated the 1990s.
There is a small chance Djokovic can steal the top ranking spot away from Nadal by the end of the ATP Tour Finals, only if the latter doesn’t win in Paris this week.
However, Djokovic isn’t letting talk of how the points work distract him from the task at hand this week.
“He’s in a much better position, but I hope I can do well in this tournament,” he said.
“I’ve historically played really well indoors in Paris and also [Nitto ATP Finals in] London, but it doesn’t depend on me.
“So I cannot really focus too much on what he is doing or other players.
“I’ll try to get the most out of my performances and see where it takes me.
“These kind of [year-end No. 1] calculations are never really great for the mentality of a player, and they take away vital energy that you need to use for your performance, so I prefer not really think about it too much.”
Djokovic has been dealing with a few injury problems of late, but he insists they’re behind him as he prepares to face the winner of Dusan Lajovic and Corentin Moutet in the second round of the Paris Masters.
“Physically I’m feeling well,” he added.
“I haven’t had any left shoulder pain or any major concerns physically in the last three, four weeks, basically.
“So my preparation has been going well.
“I’m just hoping I can kick off this tournament in the best possible way.”
