(Well, they certainly look trust-worthy.)
Depending on which one you talk to, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are either embroiled in a battle for the year ending No. 1 (Federer) or just in London to have some fun (Nadal). Fibs or frankness? You decide.
Here’s Federer talking to reporters during the World Tour Finals Media Day on Wednesday (via the AFP):
“I am aware of it (the race to finish world number one) and I would be lying if I said I was just here to play well.”
“Definitely I am here to win the tournament and to try to stay number one in the world. It is obvious.”
“The competition is really stiff so it is not going to be easy for me or Rafa if he wants to get it.”
But Rafael Nadal says he’s actually not too interested in the whole “battle for the year end No. 1” thing. (via AFP)
“For me the main thing is to be here and enjoy this experience,” Nadal told reporters. “Playing the tournament in London will be amazing.”
“The rest, finishing number one doesn’t matter. My only goal is to try to play my best tennis here in London.”
“If I win the tournament it doesn’t matter if I am number ten. The ranking is important yes, but not the most important thing for me.”
“For the last five years I was two and one in the rankings, so I have had this experience for a long time.”
“If I am competitive to try to win then I am more than happy. If I win this tournament it doesn’t matter if I am one, two or three.”
Click here to see how the No. 1 ranking may shake out in London.
On a side note, Federer also told Reuters that he’s “looking forward” to playing Andy Murray this week – and improving his 3-6 record against the Scot to, say, 5-6:
“I hope so,” the 28-year-old replied when asked about the prospect of playing Murray in the round-robin and then again in the final. “If I beat him twice, that means I’m in the finals, he’s in the finals and everybody is happy. Right?”
Well maybe not everybody, Rog. But I like the way you think.
Action beings on Sunday at the O2 arena: Andy Murray plays Juan Martin del Potro and Roger Federer plays Fernando Verdasco. Rafael Nadal begins his bid for year-ending No. 1 – or not, whatever – on Monday when he plays Robin Soderling. It’s Djokovic vs. Davydenko on Monday evening.
Click here for the ATP World Finals website. Click here for the U.S. TV schedule and here for tennis live streaming options.
Tags: ATP, Barclays World Tour finals, Federer, Murray, Nadal, tennis
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i actually believe that Nadal really doesn’t care too much about the rankings coz he’s very consistent when asked in every tournament about his goals – it’s always “play my best tennis”. i think this attitude is a better one than Fed’s. still, i hope TMF will play HIS best tennis and win the whole thing.
I really believe what Rafa says. He doesnt care too much about rankins or matches, he just want to enjoy playing tennis and play the best he can. I love this spirit of his. Good luck, Rafi, in London, you’ll need it!
.
PS: I sooooo love this guy!
i like that they have two different motivations and answers. i think they’re both being honest and each of them has a different way of looking at things. neither is good nor bad, as long as fed wins it all!
i think fed is definitely motivated to finish #1 after a brilliant season, he wants a ‘6th’ slam! plus he’s not getting any younger, so he wants to keep racking up the titles. it would be a good bookend for 2009 too.
nadal on the other hand i think is really just happy to be healthier and playing. he’s not taking anything for granted and simply wants to do well there and enjoy. you can’t blame him, no?
now, where do we order the wallet prints and 5×7s?
those pics make laugh.
duh, make me laugh.
i think rog being 28, rafa 23 makes a big difference. rog loves hearing his name as no.1, so do i. it sounds weird any other way.
i do think rafa is happy being there. he’s never done well at this event and missed it last year.
i want rog to beat murray
and also end no.1 
I’m so nervous! I really really want Roger to do well!
Ok..look at Rafa’s face in the foto above..he’s looking like he’s saying “plz save me..from these monsters..they are gonna kill me”..!!
..:D
I’m going to London to save you now — wait cutie Rafa.
Rafa is so pale… I’m not use to see him like that. It shows he hasn’t got it easy this last year. But I’m sure we’ll see a different Rafa next season, not in London though I’m afraid it’s too soon for a comeback. Djoko is going to win this whole thing, lovely.
I think Rafa looks vulnerable in this photo and all the photos actually. I think he is just happy to be there – He’d like to win, but personally I doubt this is the time. He looks pale and thinner to me. Hope all is well.
Comparing photos of Rafa from this past summer with these photos, Rafa is a different person. Personally I think he is still working on emotions re: family situation.