Switzerland's Roger Federer
Switzerland's Roger Federer laughs as he has a drink of water during his match against Australia's Lleyton Hewitt for the launch of a new format of tennis called 'Fast4' at the Entertainment Center in Sydney January 12, 2015. REUTERS/ Reuters

Roger Federer saw a rise in the rankings in the latter part of the 2014 ATP season. To start 2015, the Swiss Maestro won his first ATP title winning against Canada’s Milos Raonic, 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-4 in the final of the 2015 Brisbane International, a warm-up tournament for the Australian Open which is set to start on Jan. 19.

The early success by the the Swiss legend has everyone wondering if he has a chance to unseat Novak Djokovic as number one in the world in this ATP season. Clearly a great Australian Open result will speak volumes if Federer has what it takes to get the top spot from the Serbian.

The 33-year-old Federer turned pro in 1998 and is one of the veterans in the ATP tour but still remains one of the top favourites in any tournament he joins. Federer was recently asked if he’s targeting Jimmy Connors’ record for total wins in an ATP career. A modest Federer initially answered that it’s not possible although he said that if he plays long enough it could be a possibility. Connors has 1,253 career wins and Federer has 1,000.

"Right now I don't think it would be possible to reach Jimmy Connors," Federer said after winning the tournament in Brisbane. "I doubt it could happen. But you know, never say never. Until when I am going to play? The goal for me is to be on the tour as long as possible. I have to stay hungry, motivated and all of that.”

Federer went 4-0 in the Brisbane tournament beating the likes of John Millman of Australia, James Duckworth of Australia, Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria and Raonic to get his 1000th ATP career win. Federer called the feat a “special moment” and when asked of his chances of winning the first grand slam tournament of the year, Federer was blunt in saying he expects to battle with the world’s best for the Aussie Open title.

"Of course I do! Otherwise I wouldn't even be going to Melbourne and I would be watching the tournament on television!” Federer said.

To contact author of this article email j.gloria@IBTimes.com.au

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