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Ranking is not my goal, says Djokovic
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-05 20:02

BEIJING - World No. 4 Novak Djokovic said here Monday that he will pay much attention to tennis itself instead of the ranking change.

Ranking is not my goal, says Djokovic
Novak Djokovic of Serbia watches the ball during his first round match against Victor Hanescu of Romania at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing October 5, 2009. [Agencies] 

With Swiss master Roger Federer securing the top ranking in advance, the number two place became a dog fight as Spaniard Rafael Nadal, Scot Andy Murray and Djokovic all leading charge to the mouthwatering slot.

"I have been in top form for about three or four years. This season I made it to last eight in the Australian Open and Wimbledon and then the semifinals of the U.S. Open. They are pretty good results, but compared to the previous results, this season is not the best," said Djokovic, who reached the second round at the ongoing China Open on Monday.

"But I would like to see the positive aspects. I've made progress. For example I played good tennis at the French Open. It's a kind of encouragement.

"Now I want to be myself, to play good game and the results and ranking will come soon," he added.

Djokovic powered ten aces to beat Victor Hanescu of Romania in the first round at the China Open.

Seeded second after Nadal at the ATP500 competition, the Serb needed 90 minutes to round up the match at 6-3, 7-5 and improved his record over Hanescu to 3-0.

Djokovic, 22, who won a bronze medal at last year's Beijing Olympics, is making his tournament debut in Beijing.