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By Chris Oddo | Monday, October 27, 2014

 
Novak Djokovic, Paris 2014

Novak Djokovic is feeling like No. 1 in the world, and it's not because of his tennis.

Photo Source: Dean Mouhtaropolous/Getty

Novak Djokovic will begin the annual sprint to tennis’s finish line by attempting to hold off Roger Federer for the year-end No. 1 ranking this week in Paris, but the Serb says he is already on top of the world thanks to the birth of his first son, Stefan, on October 21st.

Also See: Federer Relishing Opportunity to Bid for Year-End No. 1 Ranking

“Honestly, the way I feel right now, I feel like I'm already No. 1 with becoming a father last week,” Djokovic told reporters at the BNP Paribas Masters on Monday. “For me, this is the most important moment in my life.”

The 7-time Grand Slam champion was obviously moved by the experience: “It was the most beautiful thing that ever happened in my life and her life, definitely,” he said.

Djokovic, who is defending titles in both Paris and London, feels he has prepared well enough, despite being obviously busy and otherwise consumed, to continue his indoor success of recent years. He has won 22 matches in succession on indoor courts, and has not lost in nearly two years under a roof.

But more important, the world No. 1 is eager to continue vibing off the life-altering experience of parenthood that he and his wife, Jelena Ristic, are now sharing. “For me, it's important to participate in my child's life as much as I can, in his development, in his growing up, in his childhood,” Djokovic said, according to the BNP Paribas Open website. “You know, I hope that it's going to affect positively on my career. In terms of my approach to the tennis, nothing is really changing. I'm still out here, still fighting, competing, and then trying to be No. 1 of the world…”

 

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