Roger Federer retains number one ranking by reaching Cincinnati final

Swiss star Roger Federer will retain his number one ranking next week as he has reached the final of Western & Southern Open. The 17-time Grand Slam champion is certain to keep it at least till the end of US Open.

Federer had to reach at least the title match in Cincinnati Masters in order to conform that he remains on top of the ATP Rankings. The Swiss Maestro achieved that by beating his compatriot and close friend Stanislas Wawrinka in straight sets 7-6(4), 6-3 in the semi-finals of this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event.

The 30-year-old is determined to keep his number one ranking as long as he can and he has made a strategy to achieve his goal.

During the post match press conference, Federer said, “The goal has already been achieved by getting back there. I have to look at the long term, and I would like to stay around for as long as I can. For that reason I have to pace myself at times, but I'm happy I'm playing so well again right off the bat again here in the States. Obviously I hope I can keep it up tomorrow and then also in New York.”

The Swiss star will take on the world number two Novak Djokovic, with whom he his competing for the top ranking these days, in the final. Djokovic thrashed Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 in the semis.

Federer currently has 11,345 ranking points and enjoys a lead of 75 points over his closest rival Djokovic, who has 11,270 points.

The Swiss Maestro was defending just 180 points this week as he got ousted in the quarter-finals in the last edition of Western & Southern Open. On other hand, Djokovic was defending 600 points because he reached the title match last year.

By reaching the final here, Federer has not only defended his 180 points but already increased his total by 420 points as he will get 600 points even if he loses to Djokovic in the final. If he wins the title, Federer will get a total of 1000 points which will mean that his total will increase by 820 points.

In comparison, the Serbian juggernaut has defended his 600 points by matching his last year’s performance. If he beats Federer in the final now and wins the title, 400 points will be added to his total. This means that he cannot overtake Federer now, whatever may be the result of today’s match.