In-form Federer eyes return to summit
Source: Agencies |
May 15, 2012, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
AFTER capturing the Madrid Open title and knowing he will climb back above Rafael Nadal to No. 2 in the world, Roger Federer has set his sights on reclaiming the top ranking.
The resurgent 30-year-old Swiss came from a set down to beat Tomas Berdych 3-6, 7-5, 7-5 in the Madrid final on Sunday, a fourth title of the year and a third in the Spanish capital that puts him level on 20 Masters crowns with great rival Nadal.
Success in one of the upcoming grand slams could catapult him above Novak Djokovic to No. 1, a position he last held in May 2010, and he would then equal, and almost certainly break, his idol Pete Sampras's record of 286 weeks at the top.
A buoyant Federer told a news conference that would be "absolutely amazing".
"Back then I was just trying to stay world number one and I never really looked at Pete's record that much," he said.
"I guess I could have chased it a few years ago, just really trying to beat that record," added the 16-times grand slam singles champion.
"It's no secret for any player out there that you'd rather be number one than number two.
"But I look at the long term, maybe if I wasn't good enough to break that record then maybe I never will be."
The resurgent 30-year-old Swiss came from a set down to beat Tomas Berdych 3-6, 7-5, 7-5 in the Madrid final on Sunday, a fourth title of the year and a third in the Spanish capital that puts him level on 20 Masters crowns with great rival Nadal.
Success in one of the upcoming grand slams could catapult him above Novak Djokovic to No. 1, a position he last held in May 2010, and he would then equal, and almost certainly break, his idol Pete Sampras's record of 286 weeks at the top.
A buoyant Federer told a news conference that would be "absolutely amazing".
"Back then I was just trying to stay world number one and I never really looked at Pete's record that much," he said.
"I guess I could have chased it a few years ago, just really trying to beat that record," added the 16-times grand slam singles champion.
"It's no secret for any player out there that you'd rather be number one than number two.
"But I look at the long term, maybe if I wasn't good enough to break that record then maybe I never will be."
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