Roger Federer of Switzerland returns a shot during his men's singles tennis match against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai October 9, 2014. REUTERS/Aly Song
Roger Federer of Switzerland returns a shot during his men's singles tennis match against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai October 9, 2014. Reuters

Roger Federer has every desire to move up the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) world rankings. According to the 17-time Grand Slam champion, he just took advantage of the fact that Rafael Nadal has sit out several tournaments, and he has vowed to keep playing well.

Following his victory over Leonardo Mayer, 7-5, 3-6, 7(9)-6(7) together with Rafael Nadal's defeat to Feliciano Lopez, 3-6, 6(6)-7(8) in the second round of the Shanghai Rolex Masters, Federer reportedly could knock the Spaniard off the second place in the ATP world rankings. Speaking via ATP's website, Federer said it was a great news. The 33-year-old Basel native said it would be great to move up than go down the rankings. Federer said that he wants to play well and simply capitalise on the idea that "other athletes are not playing well."

"Clearly Rafa hasn't played for some time, take advantage of that," Federer said. "Plus, I didn't win a Slam this year, so it shows even more so how consistent I've actually played and how much I played this year, so I guess I deserve it from that standpoint," Federer added. Federer has asserted to continue playing his complete best.

Federer ruled the ATP world rankings for the first time in 2004. Based on Federer's ranking history as compiled by Core Tennis, he held the top spot for 237 consecutive weeks from Feb. 2, 2004 until Aug. 18, 2008. He regained the number one position again on July 5, 2009 and grabbed first place until June 20, 2010. On July 8, 2012, he occupied the top position again, but only held it until Oct. 8, 2012. Since then, Federer has not reigned as World No. 1.

Federer's current stats is 56-10 this season. He is currently competing at the Shanghai Rolex Masters in China and just defeated Roberto Bautista-Agut in the third round of the tournament, 6-4, 6-2. He struck 33 winners and eight aces against Bautista-Agut to secure his spot in the quarterfinals.

Federer will meet Julien Benneteau of France next. The two players have met seven times in the past. Federer leads their head-to-head with 5-2. Federer won in their last meeting at the third round of the 2013 French Open, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.

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