SPORTS

Novak Djokovic puts fatherhood aside to fight for year-end No. 1 title

Trung Latieule The Associated Press
Published Monday, October 27, 2014 2:49PM EDT

Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot during match against Roger Federer of Switzerland during their men's singles semifinal match at the Shanghai Masters Tennis Tournament in Shanghai, China, Oct. 11, 2014. (AP / Vincent Thian)

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PARIS -- Novak Djokovic will have to put fatherhood to one side for a few weeks as he tries to fend off Roger Federer for the year-end No. 1 ranking.

Djokovic is defending his title at the Paris Masters this week, his first tournament since the birth of his first child last Tuesday. He has left the boy, Stefan, at home with his wife Jelena, but said Monday he hopes to incorporate his family life into his tennis travels next year.

Djokovic says "I would like to be with him every single day and with my wife, but sometimes that's not possible, like this week for example ... because the baby is too young to travel yet."

Djokovic had a first-round bye and will face Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany in the second round.