Roger Federer overtook Rafael Nadal at the top of the world rankings this weekend after beating Robin Haase on route to winning the Rotterdam Open.
The Swiss veteran becomes the oldest ever world No 1 at 36 years of age and is back on top spot for the first time in over five years.
And while Nadal seems to have taken news of Federer’s rise back to the summit in good faith, he says he is not fussed about dethroning his rival anytime soon.
“He didn’t need to return to No 1 to show who he is in tennis,” Nadal said.
“What he’s achieved is very difficult and you can only congratulate him.
WHY ROGER FEDERER IS BETTER THAN RAFAEL NADAL
“Rankings don’t lie, he did a little bit better than me in the last 12 months.
“I’ve been in the top 2 for many years. Being No 1, No 3, No 5 doesn’t make much difference.
“What makes me happy is feeling competitive and able to win tournaments.
“I won’t fight to be back at No 1. I’ll fight to have my best possible season.
“If that means later in the season I have a chance to be back at it, OK.
“I only fight to be happy & competitive in every tournament I play. That’s my goal. We’ll see where I’m at the end of season.”
Federer will now be looking to extend his stay as world No 1 beyond the 303 weeks he already has under his belt.
Nadal, who is preparing to play the Mexican Open in Acapulco next week, has been at No 1 for 167 weeks in total throughout his career.