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Federer hails Djokovic as 'real' No 1

After losing his world No 1 ranking, Swiss star says Serb deserves his place at top of the pile

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Roger Federer's withdrawal from Paris Masters ceded the No 1 position to Novak Djokovic.

Roger Federer is in no doubt that Novak Djokovic deserves to finish 2012 as the world's top-ranked player.

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Federer replaced Djokovic at the top of the standings after winning Wimbledon in July but ceded the No 1 position to the Serb yesterday.

And with the Swiss star unable to improve on last year's perfect performance in winning the 2011 season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London, not even an unblemished victory this year at the O2 Arena will see him regain top spot before 2012 is out.

"We know who the real No 1 is," said Federer. "It is going to be Novak. I do not think there should be any debate around about that.

"You do not get to No 1 by chance. The rankings are something that shows how you have played over a 365-day period. It might all change again in two months at the Australian Open but right now it is clear."

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Federer all but conceded the No 1 ranking this year when opting out of defending his Paris Masters title last week on the grounds he could not do himself justice by playing successive tournaments in Basel, Paris and London.

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