Roger Federer: Returning to No 1 would be an incredible achievement
Roger Federer admits that “having the option of getting to No 1 is highly motivating and very exciting”.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner will return to the top of the world rankings for the first time since November 2012 if he reaches the semi-finals of the Rotterdam Open this week.
Should he reach top spot then he will also become the oldest man to do so at the age of 36, surpassing Andre Agassi, who was 33 when he was No 1 back in September 2003.
The Swiss Maestro said at the backend of 2017 that the rankings were not his main priority, but his goals changed slightly after he won the Australian Open a fortnight ago, and now he is ready to go all out.
“After the Australian Open was over, I thought I’d love to play Rotterdam and give it a go. Our team is very excited, that I’m here and that I will give it a go,” he is quoted as saying by ATPWorldTour.com
“You have to do it, not because it’s the right thing to do, but you have to be here with all your heart and really go for it. Try my very best. Having the option of getting to No 1 is highly motivating and very exciting to say the least.”
Federer will open his campaign against Belgian Ruben Bemelmans on Wednesday, but his compatriot Stan Wawrinka is likely to stand in his way as the two are expected to meet in the quarter-finals.
He added: “I would love to be in that position [to attain No 1] against anybody. If I get back to that spot you don’t want it to happen in an easy way. The achievement would be quite incredible. It’s exciting to have Stan in my section [of the draw].”
Latest
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis NewsIga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis NewsLleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis FeaturesFive of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian OpenFive of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.