Novak Djokovic needs a break from tennis after demanding reign at the top, says Barry Cowan

Novak Djokovic could be feeling the mental strain of being the world's leading men's player, says Sky Sports expert Barry Cowan.

The world No 1 has pulled out of the China Open due to an elbow injury, but recently sparked doubts about his long-term commitment to the sport by revealing he does not want to 'think about winning titles and being the No 1 anymore'.

Cowan was surprised by these recent comments from Djokovic, who admitted he was 'putting pressure' on himself, and the Sky Sports pundit believes the 29-year-old needs a break from competitive tennis.

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"To be honest, for me it's a strange quote," Cowan told Sky Sports News HQ. "It's not normally a quote you would expect coming from someone who is right at the top of their sport.

"When you think how single-minded you have to be, how focused you have to be, every single day.

"But I think what it shows from the outside is that Novak has taken the sport to new heights in the last few years - his consistency in big matches - and mentally it has taken its toll.

"He's admitted openly that he has had a few issues off the court privately. The huge factor as well, when he won that French Open.

The Serb finally ended his wait for a first French Open title this year

"He's been pushing for many years to try and achieve the full set of winning all four Slams. He's human and as soon as you do achieve the lifetime goal, there is bound to be a bit of a setback.

"I think he's taken a little time away to make sure he comes back at the start of next year and is ready to win two or three Slams."

Andy Murray has set his sights on the world No 1 spot before the end of the year

Andy Murray, who is competing in Beijing, still hopes to replace Djokovic at the top of the world rankings before the end of the year

Cowan fears this feat could be a step too far in the next few months, but has suggested that Murray __can dethrone the Serb in 2017.

He said: "I think at some stage next year, around March, will be a time when Andy will look to really focus on becoming the No 1 player for the first time, which would be an incredible achievement."

Watch live coverage of the China Open on Tuesday from 5.30am on Sky Sports 1.