World number two Rafael Nadal poured cold water on the talks over his chances of reclaiming the No.1 spot.

The 27-year-old Spaniard will replace Novak Djokovic as the top ranked men's tennis player if he makes it to the final of the China Open.

However, it's not what's on Nadal's mind right now.

"I don't know what exactly I need to do to become the No.1, but the only way I can do it is playing my best," said the 13-time Grand Slam singles champion.

"It's something that not worries me today. Only thing that I am focus on is try to keep playing well."

Djokovic is unbeaten in three previous visits to the China Open - in 2009, 2010 and 2012, while Nadal has 22 straight hardcourt wins since coming back from injury earlier this year. Whose winning streak will be ended remains a question.

"It's difficult to say. But I am going to try to keep playing well and work hard every day to be ready for the competition. If that happens, I hope to keep having chances to win a lot of matches," said Nadal.

According to Nadal, a good opponent could be the motivation to reach higher.

"A lot of great players during my career say that if you are not able to keep improving your level, your chances to keep winning and keep being in the top positions of the ranking is going to be not big," he said.