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 The 17-times grand slam champion outclassed David Goffin 6-2 6-2
to win the Swiss Indoor tournament in Basel for a sixth time, moving
ever closer to Serbian Novak Djokovic at the top of the rankings in
the process.
A strong finish at the Paris Masters and the ATP World Tour Finals
could see him end the year as number one for the first time since
2009 -- proof that his skills are not in decline despite the
advancing years and two sets of twins.
"It would be very special, you can't say it's not important, world
number one, it's what it's all about really, together with some
tournaments you really care about," Federer told the ATP's official
television channel after his 51-minute thrashing of Goffin.
"With the year I've had and the amount of finals I've played, the
level of tennis I've played, I'm really pleased that I have a shot
at being there.
"But I'm sure Novak will be very motivated. It's going to be
interesting weeks ahead."
Federer, whose 302 weeks as world number one is a record, as is his
streak of 237 consecutive weeks atop the rankings, is less than 500
points behind Djokovic with a combined 2,500 points up for grabs in
Paris and London.
Djokovic won both of those titles last year and therefore cannot
significantly add to his haul as he will be defending points, while
Federer lost in the semi-finals at both events and can potentially
close the gap.
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Federer was at his majestic best at times against Goffin, the
Belgian who has rediscovered his best form since Wimbledon, winning
43 out of 45 matches, including on the Challenger Tour, to rocket up
the world standings.
He was never in with a chance against Federer though as the local
boy delighted his fans with a faultless display to take his career
title tally to 82 and extend his winning streak to 12 matches after
his title in Shanghai.
The first two of those wins came as Federer helped steer Switzerland
into the Davis Cup final against France.
(Writing by Martyn Herman in London; Editing by Rex Gowar)
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