Federer values Wimbledon over #1 ranking

Roger Federer, currently in Malaysia preparing for an exhibition match with John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg and James Blake, has told reporters that winning Wimbledon is more important to him that regaining the world number one ranking.

Federer will be competing in the Showdown of Champions in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday night. The tournament will see Federer play in a series of doubles and singles games with the two former Wimbledon legends.

“Wimbledon is something special. There is no substitute for it,” Federer said. “While I would also love to beat Pete Sampras’ Grand Slam record of 14 titles, and also to regain my number one ranking, I place winning another Wimbledon title above all else.”

The Showdown of Champions has also given John McEnroe the opportunity to share his feelings on the state of the global game with reporters.

The former Wimbledon Champion enthusiastically endorsed the talents of the current crop of men's singles players, whilst also taking a pot shot a what he regards as the relatively insipid world of womens' singles tennis.

"Personally, I think over the last five years the men's game has totally eclipsed the women's game as far as personalities go," McEnroe said. "A lot of women have retired. Obviously the Williams sisters, when they are motivated, they are probably the two best players in the world and create interest. But there's more personality among the men.”