After an excellent week in Toronto where he won the Rogers Cup, Nadal strengthened his grip at the top of the rankings and he’s around 4,000 points clear of long-term rival Federer.
Having taken a little breather after Wimbledon, Federer will begin his Cincinnati Masters campaign on Wednesday (midnight UK time) against Peter Gojowczyk.
The Swiss legend is bidding to win the title for an eighth time – a record on the Tour.
But the 37-year-old, who has already spent over 300 weeks at No 1 during his career, isn’t obsessed with the rankings anymore.
When asked whether he sees the race to end the year as No 1 as being competitive, Federer said: “Not really, to be honest.
“It wasn’t a goal of mine at the beginning of the year and it won’t change midway through unless I was in the lead.
“Maybe then it would be important and be silly to deny it.
“It is important to stay healthy.
“I have to enjoy myself and I have played OK recently, but I can do better again.
“I had a great start to the season and got to world No 1 for what could be one last time.
“If there is the situation for it to happen, I would chase it again.
“The year end I can’t really chase that, if it happens, it happens.
“If it didn’t, it didn’t.
“I just can’t play 20+ events a year anymore.
“It’s tournament wins I focus on now and not so much rankings.”
Nadal’s victory in Toronto last weekend put him within three of Federer in the list of “Big Titles” won.
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