• World Rankings

Federer fired up for final push

Roger Federer's victory in Basel marked his first © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Federer ends title drought in Basel
  
• News: Nishikori stuns Djokovic in Basel
  
• News: Nadal pulls out of BNP Paribas Masters
  
• News: Injured Murray withdraws from Basel
  
• Profile: Roger Federer

Roger Federer is aiming to end the year on a high after ending a 10-month title drought at the Swiss Indoors in Basel.

Federer, who beat surprise finalist Kei Nishikori 6-1 6-3 to win his home event for a fifth time, has rediscovered his title-winning form at an opportune time with his rivals all struggling with fitness.

Rafael Nadal has pulled out of this week's Paris Masters on fitness grounds, while world No. 1 Novak Djokovic is a doubt after reinjuring his shoulder in his semi-final defeat to Nishikori.

With one eye on the ATP World Tour Finals in London later this month, Andy Murray pulled out of Basel with a muscle strain, although the Scot is expected to play in Paris.

Federer will be looking to take full advantage in Paris this week, and the 16-time grand slam champion believes he is in the best shape he has been for a long time.

"It's been a long time since I felt so good physically," Federer said. "I'm feeling ready and fit and fired up, that's how it's supposed to be. This is the last push of the season and I'm ready for it."

Federer, who missed the Shanghai Masters with "niggling injuries" believes the break has re-energised him.

"It's been a great start to the autumn, I think my pause paid off," he said. "I've got different priorities than some of the younger guys who are ranked around me.

"I needed to take that time off, it was best for my mind, my body, my family and my fitness. There is a lot of tennis to be played until the end of the season and it will be packed in early 2012. I want to be a danger everywhere that I play."

ATP Tour Rankings
1. Novak Djokovic (SRB), 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP), 3. Andy Murray (GBR), 4. Roger Federer (SUI), 5. David Ferrer (ESP), 6. Robin Soderling (SWE), 7. Tomas Berdych (CZE), 8. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA), 9. Mardy Fish (USA), 10. Gael Monfils (FRA)

WTA Tour Rankings
1. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN), 2. Petra Kvitova (CZE), 3. Victoria Azarenka (BLR), 4. Maria Sharapova (RUS), 5. Li Na (CHN), 6. Sam Stosur (AUS), 7. Vera Zvonareva (RUS), 8. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL), 9. Marion Bartoli (FRA) 10. Andrea Petkovic (GER)

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.