- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Roger Federer has climbed to within 500 points of a return to the ATP top ranking, with the Swiss and points leader Novak Djokovic arriving for the final event of the regular ATP season in Paris.
Results this week at the Masters 1000 at the Bercy arena could decide who ends atop the table in 2014, with the final calculations to come after results in the World Tour Finals in London are tallied.
Federer, seeded second in Paris behind Djokovic and with No.3 Rafael Nadal missing due to appendix surgery next week, comes to the capital after winning titles at his last two events, the Shanghai Masters and his home event of Basel.
But at the moment, the more important thing on the Swiss player’s mind is getting his wife, nannies and two sets of twins settled in for the week in Paris.
After that comes rest and practise for what will be a mid-week start after a bye.
“I’m looking forward to Paris, I enjoy playing there,” said 2011 winner Federer, beaten a year ago at the tournament by Djokovic in the semis.
“I played well last year so let’s see how it’s gonna go.
“I might be a little tired but there’s still an opportunity to recover.”
In the year-end ranking race, 2,500 points are up for grabs between Paris and the eight-man London final.
With titles in three of his last four events and five from the season, the 33-year-old Federer is the current form horse of the Tour.
“It would be very special to reclaim No.1,” said Federer. “No.1 is what it’s all about in our game.
“With the year I have had and the amount of finals I have played, the level of tennis I have played, I am pleased to see that I have a shot.
“But having a shot and being there is two separate things.
“I am sure that Novak is going to come in very motivated, just after having a baby. I am very happy for him.
“There are clearly interesting weeks ahead.” The Swiss likes his current game though.
“I’m playing with confidence, and it’s indoors, not exactly a super-grind. I’m in a section of the draw with a lot of big servers (Ivo Karlovic, Milos Raonic). I’m really looking forward to it, I really like Paris.”
Whether it’s aces or races, try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp for great odds and a great punting experience. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.