Novak Djokovic is currently in Tokyo where is trying to keep his bid to end the year as the deserving world no.1.
Unfortunately, the Serbian sensation had to deal with a nasty problem with his left shoulder that made him retire during the 4th round at the US Open.
There were some doubts about his participation in the Asia Swing, but eventually he felt fit (and pain-free) to give it a shot.
The world no.1 battle
Novak has almost 2,000 points less than Rafael Nadal in the Year to Date rankings and the Spaniard may skip the Asian swing to play only the ATP1000 in Bercy and the ATP Finals in London. Therefore, Djokovic is in need to win the events in Tokyo and Shanghai to get 1,500 points that would be essential to bridge the gap with Nadal.
The practice in Tokyo
Nole looked in great form during his practice in Japan and ready to start his run. Nole will face the Australian rising star Alexei Pospirin in the first round in Tokyo.
Novak Djokovic’s ranking and performance in 2019
Now ranked no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 1st of September when he had to bow to Stan Wawrinka 6-4 7-5 2-1 ret. in the 4th round in U.S. Open.
This year Djokovic has a 41-8 win-loss record. The Serbian has won 3 titles in 2019 at the Australian Open, in Madrid and in Wimbledon. Novak was the finalist in Rome.