Djokovic warns Nadal he is not ready to relinquish No.1 ranking without 'fight'

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has warned Spanish player Rafael Nadal that he would not give up the top spot in the ATP rankings without a fight as he prepares to defend his China Open crown.

According to Sport24, Djokovic acknowledged that the current number two has had a more consistent season, but said he is confident he can reproduce the form in Beijing which has seen him unbeaten in three visits to the tournament, following up wins in 2009 and 2010 with victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in last year's final.

He said that as long as there was a chance, he would fight for that top spot, but admitted that Nadal has had the best results this year and been the best player in the world, adding that he being the World No.1 had ups and downs throughout the year, with still a good season.

Djokovic is the top seed in Beijing, ahead of number two Nadal and the reigning champion will play Czech Lukas Rosol, who is ranked 46th in the world, in his opening game, while Nadal will face a qualifier who is yet to be named, the report said.