Tennis-Nadal will not change schedule to chase top ranking

By Simon Cambers

CINCINNATI, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Spaniard world number two Rafael Nadal said on Tuesday he would not change his schedule to enhance his prospects of finishing the year in the top spot.

Nadal trails Federer by some distance in the rankings which count results in the four grand slams, nine Masters Series events and a player's five other best performances.

Although it would take a massive effort from Nadal and some early defeats for Federer to make it tight, he could yet push the Swiss for end-of-year honours.

However, Nadal said he would not add to his already busy schedule.

"I am not thinking about number one," Nadal told reporters in Cincinnati. "I will play the two Masters Series, in Madrid and Paris, and also in Bangkok (but) I don't want to go to another place to try to be number one.

"The most important tournaments for number one are Montreal, Cincinnati, U.S. Open, Madrid and Paris. I am just thinking about playing better than last year and I started better."

Nadal has won six tournaments to Federer's four this year and tops the ATP Race standings, which reward a player's performances in those 18 events in the calendar year.

The Spaniard said it would be very difficult for him to overtake Federer.