Tennis teenage upstart Rafael Nadal announced Saturday his ambition of taking the place of Swiss Roger Federer to be top-ranked to the world tennis.
"I'm gonna try to be No. 1 in the world," the world number two told press in Shanghai after a brief opening ceremony of Masters Cup, the year-ending ATP tournament for men's professional tennis which is slated for November 13-20.
"My goal is to improve, not only for this event, but for the future, for the next season," added the 19-year-old Spaniard, the youngest player here for the event. "One of my goals next year would be to be here in the Masters Cup."
Nadal has shocked the world with his success this year, rising from No. 51 to No. 2 in six months and stunning the unbeatable Federer to claim his first ever Grand Slam title at French Open in June when he became the second player after Mats Wilander to win in his first try.
The talented player has also become the third teenager in history (since 1973) to reach No. 2 in the ATP Entry Ranking, joining Boris Becker (18 years, 9 months and 17 days) and Bjorn Borg (18 years 10 months and 2 days).
Being regarded the most promising youngster to the world male tennis, Nadal is among the few netmen who keep a better win-loss record over Federer, is the new sweetheart to clay tournament and has be named the next "King of Clay".
Though being self-confident in seeking for the world tennis top position, Nadal played low-key for expectation of next year.
"I don't know (if I can become world No. 1 next year), because for me, next year if I can finish in top 6 or top 7, it would be a great year," said the Spaniard.
In Saturday's interview, Nadal confirmed that the year 2005 means a lot to him, not only for all his achievements on court, but for his "growing up" in tennis.
"This year, I learn that even when you are not playing well on the court, you can keep fight in the tournament, and if you keep fighting, if you try to forget everything, if you just concentrate on your game, you can finally win," he said.
Seeded second at the Shanghai Masters Cup, Nadal is among the hot favorites alongside the reigning world number one Federer and all-time great Andre Agassi.
"All players here are good ones, so I will just concentrate on my first match, and will hang up doing the competition," said Nadal, who has been regarded the new force in the men's game and a growing threat to Federer.
Nadal kicks off his first Masters Cup campaign Monday against 7- seeded Argentine Gaston Gaudio in a Gold Group round-robin matchup. Play in the US$4.45 million tournament begins on Sunday with the top two in each group advancing to the semi-finals.