Roger Federer Has New Twin Priorities

There is something different about the Roger Federer who stumbled into the quarter-finals of the Masters Series with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win against David Ferrer. The Swiss world No1 has made it clear that his new twin girls mean more to him than his 15 grand slam titles, and he enjoys fatherhood so much that it may influence how much he competes next year.

Few wish to see less of one of the all-time greats – especially the fluid, relaxed Federer who recovered from 1-3 down in the final set against the top 20 Spaniard – but his recent pronouncements suggest a change of priorities.

"I'd love to finish the year No1 in the world. But after the US Open and until the end of the year, I'll definitely just sit down and see where I want to go next year, and what my goals are," Federer said. "So far I just wanted to see how it feels to be a dad and get through the US Open and hopefully play very well, then sort of make up my mind how it goes."

"We love our role and try to be the best parents we can," Federer said about twins Myla and Charlene. "It's definitely a very positive change in my life. I didn't expect that, but it's a pleasant surprise. We're enjoying every second with them. Mirka spends 24 hours with them, and I spend a little less because I'm at the tennis sometimes, which I still have to do."

If the tour ceases to be the all-consuming passion which helped make Federer the most successful male player ever, much more than his schedule would change.

The women's world No1 Dinara Safina suffered a shock defeat by France's Aravane Rezaï at the Rogers Cup in Toronto. The Russian won the first set 6-3 but her French opponent hit back to take the next two sets 6-2, 6-4.