PARIS, Nov 4: Novak Djokovic says he is ready for the �big task� of trying to win the ATP Tour Finals in London and claim the year-end World No. 1 spot for a record-equalling sixth time.
The 16-time Grand Slam champion sealed his fifth Paris Masters title on Sunday with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Canadian Denis Shapovalov, but will be usurped by the injured Rafael Nadal at the top of the rankings on Monday.
Nadal said he will fight until it is �impossible� to be fit for the start of the season-ending championships on November 10.
If the Spaniard does not play or fails to win a round-robin match at the Finals, Djokovic must claim two group-stage victories and make the final to pass him.
Djokovic would also be sure of the year-end top ranking should he win the tournament and Nadal does not reach the semis. �There�s always a chance that I win all my matches in London, that I play well. I have done it in the past, and I like playing there,� said the 32-year-old, who has won five ATP Finals titles.
�But it�s (an) extremely difficult task considering who my opponents are going to be.
�You�re playing a top-10 player every single match. So that�s a big task on my end that I have to focus on.
�And as a consequence, of course, if I manage to get the year-end number one, that would be fantastic.�
Djokovic is bidding to equal Pete Sampras� record of finishing six years as the world�s best player, while Nadal is looking to achieve the feat for the fifth time. � AFP