Defending champion Novak Djokovic angrily rejected suggestions Andy Murray had overtaken him in the pecking order after roaring into the Australian Open's third round today.
The World No 3 said Murray, some bookmakers' favourite for the Grand Slam title, had to wait in line behind himself, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
"What's his ranking and my ranking?" he challenged.
"All respect to Andy, I like him as a person and as a player. He's done a lot in the last couple months, and he's a very talented player and we can expect him to win some Grand Slams in the future.
"But you cannot put him as the favourite next to Roger and Rafa and myself here at the Australian Open."
Triple champion Federer also expressed surprise when told Murray was the favourite, while top-ranked Nadal believed Murray is ready to win a Slam.
Murray, who is seeking Britain's first Major win since 1936, is currently ranked fourth, more than 3,000 points behind Djokovic. But he is already talking up his chances of becoming world No 1 this year.
However, Djokovic hit impressive form as he dismissed France's Jeremy Chardy 7-5, 6-1, 6-3 to set up a third-round clash with American Amer Delic.
"I feel very nice and comfortable on this court," he said. "The first round was tricky, I didn't play such great tennis, but today was another story.
"Hopefully it can get better in the next match."
The Serb warned he was improving match by match and felt in better condition than last year, when he won his only Grand Slam trophy.
"I think I'm playing better and better every match, so this is really important. This is something that I planned to do," he said.
"If I keep the high level of performance and a good game, I will hopefully get far in the tournament."
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Federer advances; so do Jankovic and Djokovic

Defending champion Novak Djokovic angrily rejected suggestions Andy Murray had overtaken him in the pecking order after roaring into the Australian Open's third round today.



Murray is not an Open favourite, says Djokovic

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Murray is not an Open favourite, says Djokovic

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