Nadal under Djokovic threat

HAMBURG, Germany: Having dominated men's tennis for nearly three years, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's monopoly is under threat with Novak Djokovic admitting he is playing the best tennis of his life.

After his early exit from Rome last week and with Djokovic snapping at his heels in the ATP rankings, world No 2 Nadal admits he is feeling the pressure this week at the Hamburg Masters Series.

Nadal has been second to Federer in the ATP rankings since July 25, 2005, and the Swiss master has been world No 1 since February 2, 2004 - 223 consecutive weeks - which is a record.

But Djokovic, this year's Australian Open winner, has added the Indian Wells and Rome Master Series titles to the Grand Slam crown he won in Melbourne and Nadal says in terms of form the Serb is the world's best player.

Djokovic has moved to within 310 points of Nadal in the ATP Rankings after the Serbian world No 2 captured his fourth ATP Masters Series title, defeating Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in Sunday's final in Rome.

Federer has a points tally of 6,825 in the ATP rankings, while Nadal is second on 5,435 with Djokovic closing in with 5,125.

With 100 points available to the winner in Hamburg and 200 for a Grand Slam win, Nadal says it is just a matter of time before the Serb breaks into the top two, but the Spaniard will put up a fight.

"Yeah, yeah, he's gonna be No 2, this week or next week, maybe after Roland Garros, maybe after Wimbledon," said Nadal who will attempt to claim his fourth straight Roland Garros title in Paris on May 26.

"He has chances to be No 2, but I have chances to continue as No 2, too.

"We'll see. If I'm playing well I have chances to keep hold of my position and arrive at Roland Garros as No 2."

But having already won $2.5 million in prize money so far this year alone, Djokovic is currently the world's best player.

"It is very satisfying to have won three out of the four major events this year and I am happy with my achievements so far," said the 20-year-old.

"I am playing the best tennis of my life, clay isn't my favorite surface, but I have improved a lot and the results are there to be seen.

"I am ready for this week, it is a tough schedule coming so soon after Rome, but I have had time to recover for my first match.

"It's a nice feeling to be the best player in the world at the moment, it's what every player dreams of, I just hope I can keep the momentum going."

Nadal is on course to face the Serb in the semifinals in Hamburg, with Federer in the other side of the draw, and the Spaniard is keen to avenge his 2007 defeat in Hamburg at the hands of Federer.

But having retired hurt during his clash with Federer in the semifinal of the Monte Carlo Masters Series last month, Djokovic is looking to assert himself against the world's top two.

"I haven't played Nadal on clay yet and I wasn't at my best when I played Roger in Monte Carlo, it was a matter of a physical struggle," he said.

"I am not so concerned about breaking into the top two places, I just want to keep working hard on my game and the results will come."

And as the only Grand Slam winner this year, Federer and Nadal have something to think about.

AFP

(China Daily 05/14/2008 page22)