Federer Has Shot At No. 1 Next Week After Taking Rotterdam Wild Card

Roger Federer is taking a wild card into next week’s ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, where he will have the chance to reclaim the No. 1 ATP Ranking for the first time in more than five years.

Federer, who last held the top spot on 4 October 2012, moved to within 155 points of Rafael Nadal after claiming his 20th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open and could dethrone Nadal as World No. 1 if he reaches the semi-finals in Rotterdam.

Federer has previously played the ATP World Tour 500 tournament eight times, taking the title in 2005 and 2012.

Tournament Director Richard Krajicek said: “We are thrilled that Roger has chosen to come to the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament last minute. After his fantastic result at the Australian Open, it is tremendous news that he will be joining us in Rotterdam. It is a crown to the celebration of the history of our tournament.”

Federer, 36, holds the record for most weeks spent at No. 1 (302). He is attempting to eclipse Andre Agassi (33) as the oldest World No. 1.