• ATP Tour

I can still dominate - Federer

ESPN staff
October 7, 2010
Roger Federer has not played since the US Open last month © Getty Images
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Roger Federer insists he has no intention of retiring and believes he can return to world No. 1.

The 16-time grand slam champion has slipped to world No. 3 for the first time since 2003, but after a month's break he is desperate to end the season on a high.

Federer was usurped as world No. 1 for the first time by Rafael Nadal in 2008, but despite being written off went on to complete a career Grand Slam in 2009. And Federer, who is one week short of Pete Sampras' record of 286 weeks spent at the top of the world rankings is confident he can rediscover his dominant form once more.

"Stories in tennis move around very quickly. I went through a bad patch as well and I got back to world No. 1 by winning last year's French and Wimbledon and playing really well through the American summer as well," Federer told reporters in Hong Kong.

"I'm a strong believer that when I'm at my best I can beat anyone, I can even dominate anyone but there's many guys around that play really, really well and Rafa, being the No. 1 guy, is a tough guy to beat."

Federer makes his first appearance since his US Open semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic in Shanghai next week, and he is adamant he can still beat the best players in the world.

"Obviously [Nadal] is a stronger player today than a few years ago but the same counts for me even though the ranking has slipped maybe a little bit," Federer said. "With a few minor adjustments I think I can really beat the best without a problem. Without being arrogant but I know I have the game and I'm playing really well right now.

"I practised extremely hard for the last three weeks. I feel like I am ready to go for the next five. I have no intention to quit the game and I am looking forward to the future."

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