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CINCINNATI, Ohio: 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 focused 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.”
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,” said Federer.
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 number one is in
more danger than in the past.”
“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,” said Federer.
“I just hope to get in a
hardcourt roll this week and be in great shape for the Olympics.”
--AFP
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