• US Open

Nadal not distracted by Djokovic

ESPN staff
August 26, 2011
Rafael Nadal has had a busy PR schedule since arriving in New York © Getty Images
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Rafael Nadal has insisted he is not focusing any attention on world No. 1 Novak Djokovic ahead of next week's US Open.

Ten-time grand slam winner Nadal has been eclipsed as the world No. 1 by Djokovic who has had a blistering season - losing just two matches all year. Djokovic, winner of the Australian Open and Wimbledon, will bid for a third grand slam of the season at Flushing Meadows and is a strong favourite to take the title.

Djokovic is seeded one, with Nadal at two, and the pair can only meet in the final - meaning Nadal is focusing his attention on the first of six matches he will need to win in order to reach the final.

"For me there is no point talking about that as Djokovic is in completely the opposite side of the draw to me," Nadal, who will play Andrey Golubev in the first round, told Sky Sports News. "I can only play against him in the final and I have a lot of work to do to get there.

"I would love to have the problem of facing him as it means I will be in another grand slam final. If it is him in front of me I will try my best."

Nadal has not been at his best this year, although he did capture the French Open title, and has arrived in New York on the back of some indifferent form on the American hard courts. The Spaniard is aware he faces a battle to defend his title, but will not go down without a fight.

"It is going to be difficult," he said. "I will try my best, practice well and try to arrive in good shape and be competitive. It will be difficult, but I am here to try my best."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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