Roger Federer has shrugged off the impending danger posed by Rafael Nadal’s seemingly unstoppable march towards his world No. 1 spot.
“I feel good, I’m focused,” said the Swiss, who has been No. 1 since February 2004 and who defends his Cincinnati Masters title this week.
“I’m not focussed on Rafa, he’s on the other side of the draw. Of course he’s been playing great and is on an unbelievable winning streak,” he said.
Nadal claimed a seventh title this season on Sunday as he defeated Nicolas Kiefer in straight sets for the Toronto Masters trophy.
“We’re back on hardcourt again and it’s hard to keep winning. But what he’s doing is terrific,” Federer said.
The world No. 1 said that fighting off Nadal cannot produce any more stress than a Wimbledon final, where he won five titles in succession before falling to his Spanish rival in an epic five-set final earlier this month.
“There’s always pressure, but I expect to win my matches and tournaments. I’ve had that four or five years. It’s nothing new. It’s only that No. 1 is in more danger than in the past,” he said.
But the 26-year-old is sticking to the long-range approach which has always characterized his game.
“I focus on big picture, prepare well and try not to go crazy over the ranking. I know there’s a lot of talk about it now, and Rafa does deserve the credit.
“I just hope to get in a hardcourt roll this week and be in great shape for the Olympics,” he said.
Nadal comes into Cincinnati just 300 points behind Federer who was beaten in his opening match in Toronto by Frenchman Gilles Simon.
The Spaniard has been ranked No. 2 for a record 157 weeks and will take over at the top next Sunday if he wins the title and Federer, on top for 234 weeks, loses before the semi-finals.
“I think I have to be happy, very happy if I am No. 1 or No. 2,” said Nadal, the French Open and Wimbledon champion. “If I am No. 2 it’s because in front of me there is amazing player like Roger.”
“Every player wants to be No. 1. I would love to be. But I’m No. 2 now. I’m very happy for that,” he said.
“Nadal’s victory on Sunday was his 30th from 38 finals,” he said.
It was his 12th Masters trophy and came in a season where the 22-year-old has collected a fourth Roland Garros and a first Wimbledon title.
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