Federer wary of Nadal threat

Duo will renew rivalry in London

He (Nadal) won the Australian Open, he played some incredible matches and he's still got a chance to finish number one in the world. To me that doesn't seem like a horrible scenario to have.

Roger Federer
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World number one Roger Federer believes it would be foolish to write off Rafael Nadal at the upcoming ATP World Tour Finals.

The Swiss ace will begin his assault on a record-equalling fifth Masters title when the London showpiece gets underway on Sunday.

Should Federer be successful in his quest for glory at the O2 Arena, it will also see him finish 2009 ranked number one in the world.

Nadal is the only player who can leapfrog him in the rankings after the World Finals, however the Spaniard has been struggling for form at the latter end of the campaign.

The 23-year-old from Manacor has gone seven months without lifting a Tour title, and his world number two ranking has come under increasing pressure from a resurgent Novak Djokovic.

His form aside, victory in London will see Nadal knock Federer off top spot, and that is all the motivation the 15-time Grand Slam winner needs heading into the event.

Incredible

"I'm aware of it. I'd be lying if I said I'm just here to play well," he admitted.

"I'm here to win the tournament and try to stay number one in the world.

"Competition's really stiff so it's not going to be an easy task for me or Rafa if he wants to get it but it's fun that it's on the line for the last tournament of the season."

Federer has also played down reports suggesting Nadal has little chance of reigning inside the O2 Arena.

The world number one said of his great rival: "I don't think we should exaggerate. The guy has had the most incredible first five months of the year.

"Okay he missed Wimbledon and couldn't defend (his title) but other than that he's seemed okay. He won the Australian Open, he played some incredible matches and he's still got a chance to finish number one in the world. To me that doesn't seem like a horrible scenario to have."

Realistically, Nadal needs to win the title to usurp Federer, however the Australian Open champion insists returning to the top of the pile is not his main priority.

"If I win the tournament it doesn't matter if I'm number 10," said Nadal. "The ranking is important, yes, but not the most important thing."