Federer, Nadal eye World No 1 spot in World ATP Tour finals

22 November,2009 08:43 AM IST |   |  AFP

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will stage the last chapter of their battle to finish the year as World No 1 when the ATP Tour Finals get under way in London on Sunday


Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will stage the last chapter of their battle to finish the year as World No 1 when the ATP Tour Finals get under way in London on Sunday.

Big Boss Kaun? Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal


Federer goes into the Tour Finals at the O2 Arena top of the world rankings, but the Wimbledon champion knows second-placed Nadal can still snatch first place by winning the prestigious end-of-year event.

"I am aware of it (the race to finish World No 1) and I would be lying if I said I was just here to play well," said Federer, who kicks off his Group A campaign against Spain's Fernando Verdasco on Sunday.

"Definitely I'm here to win the tournament and to try to stay number one in the world," said the Swiss ace.

Nadal however, is less concerned about the rankings. The Spaniard has endured the most traumatic year of his career, with his parents' separation proving a significant distraction before injury denied him the chance to defend his Wimbledon title. Now fully fit again Nadal said he's just relieved to be able to test himself against the world's best again. "For me the main thing is to be here and enjoy this experience. The rest, finishing number one doesn't matter. My only goal is to try to play my best tennis here in London," said Nadal.

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Roger Federer Rafael Nadal Tied World No 1 spot ATP Tour Finals