Novak Djokovic has set his sights on regaining the world No. 1 ranking and silencing the doubters by winning the ATP Tour Finals for a record-equalling sixth time.
Djokovic arrives at London's O2 Arena in the unusual position of being questioned by critics who claim he has lost his appetite for success.
Since winning the French Open in June, to secure the one Grand Slam missing from his trophy cabinet, Djokovic has been mired in a puzzling slump that ended his 122-week reign on top of the world last weekend when Andy Murray climbed above him.
But Djokovic, who also clinched the Australian Open title in January, can still round off 2016 in a more upbeat fashion if he retains the Tour Finals crown he has won for the last four years.
Winning the prestigious season-ending event on the banks of the River Thames should allow him to reclaim the top ranking from Murray and would also equal Roger Federer's record of six Tour Finals victories.
"My high standard of results has taken its toll a bit. I didn't get to recover fast after the French Open to compete on the highest level," Djokovic told reporters in London on Friday.
"I had to dig deep and take some time to reflect because it was an incredible achievement.
"It took a bit of time to get back on track but all in all it was a very good year.
"I've had a good couple of months. It's not been up to the standards of the 12 to 15 months before that but in sport you can't always expect to win.
"I'm here in London to crown this year with the best possible result. I've had an amazing last four years at the O2 Arena."
Djokovic has won only one of his six tournaments since Roland Garros, with lacklustre exits from Wimbledon and the Rio Olympics leaving some to whisper about problems in the Serb's private life and question the influence of 'spiritual guru' Pepe Imaz.

Source: Arab News