Novak Djokovic keen for final clash with Andy Murray

Novak Djokovic wants to face Andy Murray in the final of the China Open, having not played against the world No4 for 18 months.

The Serb has a tough second-round match American Mardy Fish while Murray will face Albert Montanes, the world No24 from Spain, tomorrow.

However, Djokovic is already looking towards a possible clash against Murray. The world No2 lost to him in straight sets in their last meeting — the final of the 2009 Sony Ericsson Open in Miami — but holds a 4-3 career advantage over the Briton.

Djokovic said: "Why not a final with Andy Murray? We have not played each other for a long time."

In his first match since the US Open, Djokovic began his title defence with a 6-1, 6-3 win over China's Gong Mao‑xin.

The tournament is being held in the same arena where Djokovic won bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"It feels good to be back at a court where I've enjoyed a lot success in the last couple years," he added.

Djokovic recently took Roger Federer's place in the rankings after an up-and-down season for the Swiss.

However, world No1 Rafa Nadal insists his great rival is not a spent force and backed him to add to his record haul of 16 Grand Slam titles.

"He won at the Australian Open and was also champion in Cincinnati so it's still been a good year for him," said the Spaniard.

"It's very difficult to always be 100 percent and what Federer did the last seven or eight years is almost impossible to repeat. His game is still at a very high level."