Federer-Djokovic fight for No. 1 spot highlights exciting end to 2014 ATP season

Federer and Djokovic

Roger Federer’s resurgence

It is hard to believe that Roger Federer is in contention for the No. 1 spot. He was down and out for the major part of the last year and dropped to No. 8 in the rankings this January – his lowest in more than a decade.

Yet, we are here, analyzing scenarios that could possibly lead the Swiss to his sixth year-end No. 1 ranking. After his successful run at Shanghai Masters and Swiss Indoors, Federer is now only 490 points behind current leader Novak Djokovic.

Federer’s contention for the top spot alongside Novak Djokovic has brought the end-of-season tournaments, which often go unnoticed, under the spotlight.  

Excitement outside of Grand Slams

Tennis loses its allure to all but the serious tennis fans after the US Open. The Grand Slams are what tennis is mostly about for the casual fans; their glory and honour are higher than any other tournament in the circuit. So the rest of the season after US Open usually goes down silently, and the excitement is only revived by the Australian Open the following year.

But of late, it is not just the Grand Slams which cover the headlines. It is also the rivalries that make a special cut in the sport’s consciousness.

One such rivalry which has fascinated both the serious and casual tennis fans this year is of Federer-Djokovic. The apogee of the rivalry came at this year’s Wimbledon final, where Djokovic edged past Federer in five thrilling sets.

Both players are hungry for the title

Now, their rivalry is culminating into another climax as they begin to fight for the coveted year-end #1 title. As Federer is closing in on Djokovic in the points table, the end of the season is filling with an air of excitement. And Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are going all in to make the final, giving tennis fans a real treat with their desperate run for the top spot.

"It would be very special to reclaim number one," admitted Federer who is vying for his sixth year-end No.1 title.

"World No. 1 is what it's all about in our game and with the year I have had and the amount of finals I have played, the level of tennis I have played, I am pleased to see that I have a shot,” he added.

The Serb, meanwhile, assuming the looming danger over his top ranking, dismissed the idea that he will not contest in this week’s Paris-Bercy Masters. Djokovic is extra motivated after becoming a father to baby boy Stefan a week ago.

“Of course it is, for both of us, the goal (is) to finish the year as No. 1 of the world. Of course it’s a big objective,” Djokovic said.

Djokovic is considered as the most likely to win the coveted year-end title. If he does, it will be his third such feat, after his successful years in 2011 and 2012.

But Federer is giving him a run for the money, as he continues to impress the tennis world by performing well throughout this season. The Swiss has reached 12 semifinals and 10 finals so far this year, and has five titles to his name. The 33-year-old can become the oldest player to be No.1 if he manages to beat Djokovic in the race.

Importance of Paris Masters

Here is what both players need to do in order to go into the World Tour Finals as the No. 1 player in the world:

Roger Federer:

1. Win Paris Masters and hope that Djokovic does not reach the final, or
2. Reach Paris Masters final and hope that Djokovic does not reach the semifinal.

Federer will have an advantage if he can edge ahead of Djokovic prior to the World Tour Finals.

Novak Djokovic:

1. Reach the final at Paris Masters, or
2. Win the Paris Masters, or
3. Hope that Federer doesn’t reach the final.

If Djokovic wins the Paris Masters, there will be clear daylight between him and Federer in the race.

No matter who wins the final battle, the race to No. 1 is going to enthrall and excite the tennis fans in the coming weeks. Bring it on!