Greg Rusedski thinks ‘all the pressure is on Novak Djokovic’ in Rafael Nadal battle
Greg Rusedski says Novak Djokovic is under huge pressure to defend his world No 1 crown.
Paris Masters: Rafael Nadal defeats Stan Wawrinka
Rafael Nadal is in the driving seat to secure the year-end world No 1, according to Greg Rusedski.
The Spaniard will definitely return to the top of the standings on Monday regardless of what happens at the Paris Masters this week.
However, if Nadal can secure 50 more ATP points than Djokovic in the French capital then he will wrap up the year-end No 1 with one tournament to spare.
And Rusedski believes it is just a matter of time before the 19-time Grand Slam winner scoops the gong.
“All the pressure is on Novak Djokovic at the moment because Rafa has got the 1,280 point lead,” Rusedski told Amazon Prime.
“On top of that he has had a nice little break and just got married.
“This is his first event in Paris, then after that he has the O2 and the Davis Cup. Djokovic is the one that is chasing.
“That’s why I go advantage Rafa.”
However, fellow pundit Daniela Hantuchova thinks the Serbian has improved his killer instinct at the net and will take the battle to the ATP Finals.
“I will give you that point but the other thing that we have to point is how Novak is finding himself coming to the net,” she added.
“I think it is something with Goran Ivanisevic they have worked so hard and he is just there by really a natural way now and not forcing it.
“Whenever he has a chance he tries to come in and that’s why Novak is the favourite for me to win the title.”
Novak Djokovic practices ahead of Stefanos Tsitsipas clash
But Rusedski is convinced Nadal’s improved serve will be the difference on the quick indoor courts.
He added: “Rafael Nadal has improved the most in 2019. His accuracy of the serve has gone up tremendously as has his serve. It is also much flatter.
“I think that is going to give Rafa the advantage this year indoors, as well as in Paris.”