Federer eyes year-end top spot in London finale

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - Roger Federer held court in a swish hotel on the banks of the River Thames on Friday and left nobody in any doubt he was determined to become only the second male player to reclaim the year-end number one spot.

The Swiss 15-times grand slam champion can finish the year in what he feels is his rightful place with a strong showing at the ATP Tour World Finals which begin their five-year residence in London on Sunday.

Should he hold off Rafael Nadal, the man who ended his record 237-week reign at the top last year but had to hand it back after missing Wimbledon through injury, Federer will emulate Ivan Lendl.

Since computer rankings were introduced only Lendl, in 1989, has managed to retrieve the ATP year-end top spot -- a fact not lost on Federer who has claimed a sackful of tennis records.

"I'm aware of it, that's for sure," Federer, who has wife Mirka and twin daughters Charlene and Myla for company this week, told reporters. "I would be lying if I said I'm just here to play well. I'm here to win the tournament and try to stay as the number one in the world."

While his 945-point lead over Nadal in the standings looks comfortable, Federer has landed the tougher draw in the round-robin stage with Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, the man who beat him in the U.S. Open final, Spain's Fernando Verdasco and Britain's home favorite Andy Murray with him in Group A.

All three look testing for Federer, who has played just six Tour matches since losing to Del Potro in New York, and with 1,500 points up for grabs for any player who wins the title undefeated he is taking nothing for granted.

MURRAY HEADACHE