ATP:”It shouldn’t be easy” – Federer wants the number 1 on the hard way

Roger Federer can return to the top of the world rankings with a semi-final draw at the ATP tournament in Rotterdam. Before his first appearance, the Swiss man talks about how much this milestone means to him.

For many tennis fans and experts, Roger Federer’s promise in Rotterdam was a big surprise. Not so for Federer himself, the “Maestro” had long been flirting with an appearance in the Dutch port city. After his 20th birthday. He immediately contacted Tournament Director Richard Krajicek via his manager Tony Godsick for the Grand Slam title in Melbourne – the awarding of the wildcard was only a matter of form.

There is also nothing to shake the goal: Federer could replace Andre Agassi as the oldest number one in tennis history at the age of 36. The American was three and a half years younger when he last climbed to the top of the ranking in 2003.

“The opportunity to become number one is motivating and exciting, cautiously expressed,”Federer said in a media round on Monday. But the fact that this opportunity now presents itself is something of a surprise:”I never expected to win the Australian Open again. That’s why I thought I missed my chance to win the first place when I didn’t win the season finale in London,”said Rotterdam 2005 and 2012 winner.

The fascination of the top position has never let him go, Federer continues,”I’m only interested in the ranking if I can become number 1.

Five years and 106 days after his last reign, Federer, who led the world rankings for a total of 302 weeks, could once again climb the tennis throne. The route leads via the Belgian qualifier Ruben Bemelmans, Philipp Kohlschreiber or Karen Khachanov – and a good friend.

The Swiss duel with Stan Wawrinka in the round of the last eight would be like a final for the number one:”I would like to be in this position, no matter who I would play against. But it’s exciting that it could be against Stan,”said Federer,”that would be a great match, like a Grand Slam final. And if I’m going to be the number one, I don’t want it to be easy – I want it the hard way. I know it’s never easy to get there.”

However, the record Grand Slam winner does not want to look too far ahead. First of all, his full concentration is on a Belgian left-hander:”I don’t know much about Bemelmans. I still have to find out how he plays,”said Federer before his opening game on Wednesday.