LONDON - World No 1 Roger Federer said today he was fit to defend his season-ending Masters Cup title after recovering from an ankle injury.
The Swiss will be overwhelming favourite for the final event of the men's tennis season at Shanghai's Qi Zhong Stadium from November 13-20.
"A few
weeks ago I was not sure how quickly my ankle would recover but now I am on the court and playing again," Federer said.
"I go to Shanghai with a fresh mind and really look forward to defending the title."
The twice champion, who defeated Lleyton Hewitt in the 2004 final and Andre Agassi in the 2003 final, will be making his fourth consecutive appearance in the ATP finale.
Last year in Houston, Federer was undefeated and improved his record at the event to 13-1.
Federer clinched the year-end world No 1 ranking in Bangkok earlier this month and carries a 77-3 match record in 2005.
Despite missing the final three weeks of the regular season, he still won 11 titles - tied with Rafael Nadal.
Federer also became the first man since 1938 to win both Wimbledon and US Open titles in consecutive years and extended his unbeaten record in finals to 24 matches -- a streak dating back to October 2003.
Federer will be joined in Shanghai by Spaniard Nadal, Andy Roddick, twice former champion Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi and Guillermo Coria.
Coria's qualification was confirmed today after Australian Open champion Marat Safin announced his withdrawal with a knee injury.
Safin's season has been hampered by a ligament tear in his left knee, forcing him to miss nearly four months of the ATP season. Since Wimbledon he has played in only one tournament.
The remaining spots in the elite eight-men field will be determined this week at the Paris Masters.
- REUTERS
