Djokovic on brink of an amazing comeback

– Novak Djokovic (right) can complete a stunning return to world No 1 at the Paris Masters this week as Rafael Nadal hits the comeback trail for the first time since limping out of the US Open.

Roger Federer could also resurface in the French capital after a three-year absence, although the 20-time Grand Slam champion said a decision on his participation will be made today.

The Swiss star won his 99th career title in Basel over the weekend but hasn’t played in Paris since 2015 due to a combination of injury and selective scheduling.

Djokovic also missed last year’s

Paris

event as he dropped outside the top 10 for the first time in over a decade, but the Serb, who was lingering down at a ranking of 22nd as recently as June, arrives having won 27 of his last 28 matches.

“In both the US Open and Shanghai, I’ve played as good as ever,” said Djokovic, who claimed his 14th Slam in New York.

“So I really enjoy tennis at the moment and enjoy competing, because obviously when you’re winning that many matches you have a lot of confidence.”

However, it was just months ago that doubts were raised over his future following a dramatic decline as he battled to recover from a nagging elbow injury.

He underwent surgery after a fourth-round loss at this year’s Australian Open but admittedly rushed his return and suffered a series of early exits.

The 31-year-old though beat Nadal in an epic Wimbledon semifinal before routing Kevin Anderson to claim his first Grand Slam since the 2016 French Open.

He then completed a sweep of Masters victories by downing Federer to claim an elusive Cincinnati title.

Incumbent world No 1 Nadal has not played since a knee injury led to him retiring from his US Open semifinal against Juan Martin del Potro.

The Spaniard, for all his success at Roland Garros, has never lifted the trophy at the Paris Masters – his best showing came when he lost in the 2007 final to David Nalbandian.

Nadal withdrew before his quarterfinal last year, and he must match Djokovic’s performance to retain top spot going into the Tour Finals in London.

Marin Cilic and Dominic Thiem are in pole position to claim the remaining two London berths. –