Djokovic cautious on quick return to top spot

SHANGHAI – Novak Djokovic played down his chances of making a quick return to world No 1 despite an emphatic victory in Beijing which gave him a shot at supplanting Roger Federer at this week’s Shanghai Masters.The Serb, second in the rankings and breathing down Federer’s neck, whipped France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 for his third title at the China Open, an event at which he has never been beaten.Afterwards Djokovic admitted retaking the top ranking, which he occupied for nearly a year until being deposed by Federer in June, was uppermost in his thoughts.“That’s the target,” said the 25-year-old, owner of five Grand Slam titles including this year’s Australian Open, who celebrated his win with a “Gangnam Style” dance with ball boys and ball girls on court.Victory in Sunday’s Shanghai Masters final would be enough to re-crown Djokovic as No 1, if Federer fails to reach the quarterfinals.But the Serb remained cautious, insisting the rankings battle remains “quite open”. Federer was not in action this week. “This (win) will definitely help me in that race, but it’s still quite open,” Djokovic said.

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Djokovic cautious on quick return to top spot