Roger Federer hails Djokovic as ‘real’ world No. 1
6 Nov 2012 7:10 AM IST
Tennis great Roger Federer is in no doubt that Novak Djokovic deserves to finish 2012 as the world’s top-ranked player.
Federer replaced Djokovic at the top of the standings after winning Wimbledon in July but will cede the number one position to the Serb on Monday.
And with the Swiss star unable to improve on last year’s perfect performance in winning the 2011 season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London, not even an unblemished victory in this year’s edition at the O2 Arena will see him regain top spot before 2012 is out.
‘We know who the real number one is,’ said Federer. It is going to be Novak. I do not think there should be any debate around about that.You do not get to number one by chance.
The rankings are something that shows how you have played over a 365-day period. It might all change again in two months at the Australian Open but right now it is clear.’
Federer all but conceded the number one ranking this year when opting out of defending his Paris Masters title last week on the grounds he could not do himself justice by playing successive tournaments in Basle, Paris and London.
‘I obviously gave it everything I had,’ said Federer. ‘I’ve played so much tennis the last one and a half, two years and I’m happy I got back to world number one.
‘It’s obviously a time where you need to win at least a slam, if not more slams, or at least five to 10 titles, so we’re not talking about just a quick jump to number one and then you lose it again.
‘This is a full-on process. That obviously takes a lot of sacrifice. For the time being I’m willing to do all of that. So I’m putting my schedule into place for next year and there are no much changes.’
Djokovic begins his campaign against France’s Frenchman Tsonga as he will look to get the game rolling from the start.
Federer replaced Djokovic at the top of the standings after winning Wimbledon in July but will cede the number one position to the Serb on Monday.
And with the Swiss star unable to improve on last year’s perfect performance in winning the 2011 season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London, not even an unblemished victory in this year’s edition at the O2 Arena will see him regain top spot before 2012 is out.
‘We know who the real number one is,’ said Federer. It is going to be Novak. I do not think there should be any debate around about that.You do not get to number one by chance.
The rankings are something that shows how you have played over a 365-day period. It might all change again in two months at the Australian Open but right now it is clear.’
Federer all but conceded the number one ranking this year when opting out of defending his Paris Masters title last week on the grounds he could not do himself justice by playing successive tournaments in Basle, Paris and London.
‘I obviously gave it everything I had,’ said Federer. ‘I’ve played so much tennis the last one and a half, two years and I’m happy I got back to world number one.
‘It’s obviously a time where you need to win at least a slam, if not more slams, or at least five to 10 titles, so we’re not talking about just a quick jump to number one and then you lose it again.
‘This is a full-on process. That obviously takes a lot of sacrifice. For the time being I’m willing to do all of that. So I’m putting my schedule into place for next year and there are no much changes.’
Djokovic begins his campaign against France’s Frenchman Tsonga as he will look to get the game rolling from the start.
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