Macau: Roger Federer said on Wednesday that he is braced for the challenge from the new breed at the top of mens tennis but legend Bjorn Borg says the Swiss and world number one Rafael Nadal remain the men to beat.
Federer, ending a gruelling season with an exhibition event in Macau on Thursday also involving James Blake, John McEnroe and Borg, is confident he will remain a contender for top honours.
The 13-time Grand Slam champion has enjoyed a storied rivalry with Spain's Nadal, who took Federer's Wimbledon crown and dethroned him as world number one this year after a record 237 weeks at the top of the rankings.
"I think its really special for me being in my shoes right now. Its a very interesting year coming up," said Federer, who is just one behind Pete Sampras's record haul of Grand Slams. "I feel every five years, 10 years the game shifts a little bit. New players come up," he added. "Right now you have many young up-and-coming players and the rivalry with Rafa is great, especially after the Wimbledon match we had this year."
He said Novak Djokovic had enjoyed a great year and that he was happy to see Andy Murray playing well, describing the Scot as a player with a "ton of talent". But Federer remains confident he can stay at the top of the men's game.
