Djokovic ending year as real rival to Roger and Rafa

LONDON: Novak Djokovic looked in danger of getting left behind earlier this year after a punishing claycourt season took its toll on his body and mind but the Serbian appears to be back to his best.

First this month he beat world No 1 Roger Federer in his own backyard to take the Basel title, then last week he thrashed world No 2 Rafael Nadal on his way to winning the Paris Masters, his fifth title of the year.

Now the 22-year-old former Australian Open champion is setting his sights on defending his ATP World Tour Finals crown in London and next year challenging for the world No 1 spot.