Djokovic targets world top spot
Monday, 17 Nov 2008 09:19
Masters champion Novak Djokovic says world top spot is next target
Novak Djokovic has said the world number one ranking is his next target after winning his maiden Masters Cup title in Shanghai on Sunday.
The Serbian, currently third in the world behind Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, has shown signs that he can regularly compete with the best in the world, having won the Australian Open among his three trophies this season.
Djokovic has also struggled with inconsistency, which has prevented him from breaking into the top two in the past.
But after claiming victory in the season finale - traditionally featuring the eight best players in the world at that time - Djokovic moved to within ten ranking points of number two Federer, who was knocked out at the group stage.
"Certainly I believe that I have the quality to reach the top spot in the upcoming year or next couple of years, [maybe] ten years," he said.
"That is my lifetime goal that I've been always trying to achieve.
"But I have learned a lesson. If I pay too much attention to rankings, it doesn't go the right way."
On the title itself, Djokovic added: "I'm very, very happy. It's a great achievement for me.
"The best eight players playing here says everything about the quality of the event and I would definitely put it on a level with the grand slams."