Novak Djokovic sends message to Roger Federer after taking his world No 2 spot
NOVAK DJOKOVIC insists he is “proud” to have overtaken Roger Federer as the world No 2 after his Shanghai Masters win over Alexander Zverev.
Novak Djokovic reflects on Alexander Zverev victory in Shanghai
Novak Djokovic made light work of Zverev in today’s semi-final as he beat the German 6-2, 6-1.
In the process of racking up his 17th victory on the bounce, he will leapfrog Federer in the world rankings when they are released on Monday, as he continues to close the gap on world No 1 Rafael Nadal.
And the Serbian has now sent a message to his rivals, saying he’s not stopping at just settling for second place.
"I am proud to be the new number two in the world but what I want is to be number one at the end of the year,” Djokovic said.
I am proud to be the new number two in the world but what I want is to be number one at the end of the year.
“Months of competition have been based on recovering from an injury and I have not played at my best level.
“I have gone from one extreme to the other.
“We will have to fight in the next tournaments, but finish the year at the top of world tennis after the ordeal I've lived would be something extraordinary.
"I am very happy for the victory and for the solid [performance] that I have shown on the track.
“It is a good way to celebrate the 1,000 [tournament].
“Zverev has made a low percentage of first serves, it has been a strange match on his part, he can play much better than he has."
Djokovic had likely been expecting to face Federer in tomorrow’s final but will now play Borna Coric.
Federer was far from his best as Coric recorded a 6-4, 6-4 win to book his spot in the final.
And Sky Sports pundit Annabel Croft put Federer’s disappointing display down to fatigue.
"I think we've all learnt not to write him off because I did that myself about three years ago and he surprised everybody," Croft said.
"Then of course he had knee surgery, took six months off, came back and win the first Grand Slam of the year which was unprecedented.
"It is the end of the season. Yes, he's probably a little bit mentally fatigued and a bit of tiredness there."