Nadal will not change schedule to chase top ranking

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Cincinnati, Aug 15: Spaniard world number two Rafael Nadal today said he would not change his schedule to enhance his prospects of finishing the year in the top spot.

Nadal trails Federer by some distance in the rankings which count results in the four grand slams, nine Masters Series events and a player's five other best performances.

Although it would take a massive effort from Nadal and some early defeats for Federer to make it tight, he could yet push the Swiss for end-of-year honours.

However, Nadal said he would not add to his already busy schedule.

''I am not thinking about number one,'' Nadal told reporters in Cincinnati. ''I will play the two Masters Series, in Madrid and Paris, and also in Bangkok (but) I don't want to go to another place to try to be number one.

''The most important tournaments for number one are Montreal, Cincinnati, US Open, Madrid and Paris. I am just thinking about playing better than last year and I started better.'' Nadal has won six tournaments to Federer's four this year and tops the ATP Race standings, which reward a player's performances in those 18 events in the calendar year.

The Spaniard said it would be very difficult for him to overtake Federer.

''Federer is favourite for the number one because his game adapts better to these surfaces,'' he said.

In winning his third French Open title and then reaching the final at Wimbledon last month, Nadal matched his efforts of 2006 but said he was a better player now than 12 months ago.

''I have really improved my serve,'' he said. ''I am playing more aggressively, even on clay. I go to the net a lot more, with more chances, I am (spending) less time on the court, which is good for me, and have more control of the matches.

''My goal is always to improve.'' Nadal will begin his campaign at the Cincinnati Masters tomorrow with a second-round match against another Spaniard Feliciano Lopez or Argentine Juan Monaco.

Reuters >