Djokovic relishes latest chapter in friendly rivalry

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Novak Djokovic said he is relishing the chance to renew his friendly rivalry with Andy Murray at the ATP Tour Finals on Wednesday.

World No 1 Djokovic has already spent years competing with Murray after the pair emerged onto the Tour at the same time but, with Roger Federer approaching the end of his career and Rafael Nadal hampered by knee problems, this could emerge as the sport's new great rivalry.

In 2017 alone, they have clashed six times, with Djokovic starting the year with a thrilling victory over the Scot in the Australian Open semifinals and Murray getting his revenge with an Olympic last four win and then, even more significantly, a five-set triumph over the Serb to win his first Grand Slam title at the US Open.

Djokovic won their most recent meeting in the Shanghai final when he had to save five match points before clinching the victory, yet, despite the crucial nature of so many of their 16 meetings, there is no ill feeling between the two.

They practice together on a regular basis and did so on Saturday at the O2 Arena before learning a few hours later that they had been drawn in the same group in the season-ending Tour Finals.

"We practice with each other very often, whenever we can," Djokovic said. "We are big rivals as well, but also very fair to each other. It is a very friendly relationship.

"I'm very glad to keep that relationship with Andy, somebody that I've known for a very long time."

After winning their opening group matches on Monday, Djokovic against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Murray against Tomas Berdych, they will meet on Wednesday with the victor almost certain to move on to the semi-finals.

With plenty at stake, there is every chance the clash will be the latest in a long line of grueling encounters between two of the fittest and most dynamic players on the Tour.

Following his shock exit from the Paris Masters against Sam Querrey last week, Djokovic admitted he needed the boost of regaining the world No 1 ranking on Monday and he looked a more vibrant figure in his 7-6 (4), 6-3 win over Tsonga.

About the broadcaster:

Nelly Min is an editor at China Daily with more than 10 years of experience as a newspaper editor and photographer. She has worked at major newspapers in the U.S., including the Los Angeles Times and the Detroit Free Press. She is also fluent in Korean.