Numero one battle with Murray 'rejuvenates' Djokovic ahead of Paris Masters

Johannesburg [South Africa], Oct. 31 (ANI): Novak Djokovic has admitted that Andy Murray's attempt to surge to the top of the rankings has rejuvenated an otherwise mediocre season for the World No. 1. Djokovic has been suffering from a serious slump in form since winning his first French Open and completing the career Grand Slam in June. The Serbian, who suffered from a shocking early loss at the Wimbledon followed by first round exit at the Rio Olympics, then finished at the runners-up spot at the US Open. However, as Djokovic prepares to defend the Paris Masters title which he has won for the last three consecutive years, he has said that Murray's effort for the top of the world rankings has provided him with the much required fresh impetus. "It makes me want to go on court and fight for every point because there is something to win at the end," Djokovic was quoted as saying by Sport24, adding he felt "rejuvenated and regenerated." The 29-year-old will lose the numero one position if he fails to make to the championship match of the Paris Masters till the time Murray wins the title. However, if reaches next Sunday's final in Paris, Djokovic will retain his world number one ranking. The world number one, who has admitted "private issues" contributed to his summer slump, believes that Paris is the perfect place to revive his fortunes. "Winning Roland Garros this year gave me a lot of joy but it required a lot of energy. I felt a little exhausted after and I was a little less motivated," said the Serb, who hasn't played since a semi-final defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut in the Shanghai Masters," he said. "I took a little time to think about all these things, to find a new motivation and a new ambition. It's in place. I feel good. I'm happy to come back here to Paris. I hope to have a good week," he added. Djokovic, who has a bye in the first round at the Paris Masters, would face either Nicolas Almagro of Spain or Gilles Muller of Luxembourg in the second round. (ANI)