Djokovic not distracted by threat to number one spot

Nadal could seal top ranking by qualifying for China Open final.

BEIJING: Novak Djokovic denied being distracted by the threat of losing his number one ranking after he edged through to the quarter-finals at the China Open despite a ‘lack of concentration’.

The top seed in Beijing remained on course to reclaim the title he won last year after he defeated Fernando Verdasco 7-5, 2-6, 6-2, while women’s top-ranked player Serena Williams also moved into the last-eight.

The Serb’s status as the world number one men’s player is under threat from the second seed in Beijing, Rafael Nadal, who has already made it to the last-eight, and only needs to reach the final to claim the top spot.

But he denied that the threat from Nadal was distracting him.

“I try to do what I need to do and that is to win matches,” he said. “The rankings will change. They change all the time. Over the years that has been the case. You can’t think too much about it.

“Your job is to win as many matches as possible and the ranking will follow the results that you make.”

Djokovic, who followed up wins in 2009 and 2010 with victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in last year’s final, faces Sam Querrey in the next round.

Serena struggles into semis

In the women’s tournament, world number one Serena  claimed victory over Maria Kirilenko in two unconvincing sets, with the scores finishing 7-5, 7-5.

In the quarter-finals today, Serena will play against either Sloane Stephens or Caroline Wozniacki, who had a match later yesterday.

“Whoever I play it will be a tough match,” said Serena, adding she would have to “pick up my level”.

Czech Lucie Safarova ended Andrea Petkovic’s fairytale China Open with a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7(7/4), 7-6(7-2) victory.

Polish third seed Agnieszka Radwanska powered through her third-round match, with a ruthless 6-0, 6-2 victory over Slovenian Polona Hercog.

The China Open will reach its climax on October 6.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2013.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.