Djokovic feels he may lose No. 1 spot to incredible Rafa

Novak Djokovic believes Rafael Nadal may soon displace him as world number one and has plenty of time to break Roger Federer’s benchmark 17 major titles after the Spaniard roared to the US Open title at Flushing Meadows on Monday. Only Pete Sampras (14) and Roger Federer (17) are above the 27-year-old Nadal on the pecking order of major champions. ‘Thirteen grand slams for a guy who is 27-years-old is incredible,’ Djokovic said. ‘I mean, whatever he has achieved so far in his career is something that everybody should respect. No question about it.

‘I was saying before, he’s definitely one of the best tennis players ever to play the game. Looking at his achievements and his age, at this moment - he still has a lot of years to play. That’s all I can say.’
Nadal seems certain to overtake Djokovic as world number one by the end of the year. He missed the last half of 2012, and the 2013 Australian Open, because of a knee injury, which means he has no rankings points to defend.

Following his second major triumph this year, adding the New York crown to the French Open, only another injury or inconceivable loss of form will keep him at number two. ‘What can I say?’ Djokovic said. ‘He won so much this year. I’m still number one of the world in the rankings. But year to year he’s far, far ahead. He has much more chances to end up as number one. ‘Look, there is still tournaments to go. So we’ll see.’