Approaching the final stages of his season, Roger Federer’s focus is on winning more silverware and not dethroning Rafael Nadal from the top of the Emirates rankings.
The 36-year-old is currently 1960 points being the Spaniard in the race to end the season at the top. If Federer was to overtake Nadal before the year ends, he would be joint-first in the all-time list of most year-end No.1 positions. Pete Sampras currently holds the record of six. A historic prospect, but one that remains at the back of his mind.
“The chances are still slim for me to become world No.1 because it is in Rafa’s hands.” The 19-time grand told reporters in Basel.
“It’s not a priority. I will just try to enjoy myself and play good tennis. Focus on what is in front of me right now and see what happens.”
The Swiss player has already spent a record 302 weeks as world No.1 so far in his career. Returning back to the top is a prospect he is relishing, but Federer refuses to get obsessed about the possibility. Focusing instead on the prizes and not the points.
“I think that it will be a mistake if I did think about it all the time.” He said about the No.1 ranking. “The goal is to win here because it is Basel, and then my goal is to win London because it’s the world tour finals.”
Basel homecoming
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The next tournament for Federer is in his homeland at the Swiss Indoors. Throughout his career, he has established himself as an legend of the event. Appearing in a record 12 finals, winning the trophy seven times.
Targeting Basel trophy No.8, the momentum is gathering. Earlier this month, Federer clinched his fifth consecutive win over Nadal in the final of the Shanghai Masters. Coming off the Aswin swing of the tour, fatigue is also not a problem. To the delight and shock of the world No.2.
“I actually was surprised about how not tired I was after Shanghai because I expected myself to be tired.” Said Federer, who has won six titles so far this season.
“I took three days off and started working again on Thursday. I’m really where I wanna be.”
Should the home favourite triumph in the tournament. He would win his 95th tour title. Becoming only the second man in history to do so after Jimmy Connors.
It was after that Shanghai final where doubts mounted about Federer’s plans for Basel. During an interview with Sky Sports he revealed that he was unsure about his scheduling. In the second half of 2017 a back problem impacted on his progress on the tour. Now returning back to top form, the problems of the past appears to be a distant memory.
“Everything is ok, I’m practicing well. Good shape, everything’s fine.” He stated.
“I’m just getting used to the conditions like any other event because every week it feels different. I’m happy where I am, it’s all good.”
In his first round match, Federer will take on Frances Tiafoe. A player who he has already defeated twice this season.
