Federer reclaims year-end No 1 ranking

London: Swiss ace Roger Federer achieved yet another landmark when he finished as the ATP World Tour Champion for the fifth time following his win against Andy Murray at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals late on Tuesday.

In doing so, Federer became just the second player in the history of the South African Airways ATP Rankings to regain the World No 1 ranking.

"Obviously, this was one of my big goals for the season," Federer admitted after successfully navigating a three-set 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 win in nearly two hours of action against Murray.

It's all the more sweet for the Swiss superstar following a rough 2008.

"So coming back this year and being able to dominate and play at the top when the depth in tennis is so, so great at the moment, I think this is a wonderful achievement and it's a wonderful feeling," Federer said.

Maybe in the past, the distance between Federer and the rest of the pack was way too big for the Swiss ace to worry about his year-end finish.

However, going into this tournament, Rafael Nadal stood within striking distance of regaining the crown he lost to Federer earlier this season.

"This is one of the greatest performances I think I've achieved," he added.

Off the court too Federer has had a good 2009 — he got married and his wife Mirka delivered twin girls.

"Besides I reached all four major finals. Playing so well at the most important moments has been the key this year," he said.

With five year-end No 1 finishes, Federer ties Jimmy Connors' mark and now stands just one behind Pete Sampras on the list of all-time ATP World Tour Champions. Sampras finished as the No 1 player six straight years from 1993 to 1998.

The 28-year-old Swiss star held the World No 1 ranking for a record 237 straight weeks from February 2, 2004 to August 17, 2008 before Spaniard Nadal ended his streak.

However, Federer reclaimed his top ranking spot on July 6, 2009 after winning a record-breaking 15th Grand Slam following an epic final against Andy Roddick at Wimbledon.