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

Updated on: 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.

"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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ATP World Tour finals at 19:45 on Star Sports

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