Federer predicts Masters Cup dogfight

SHANGHAI: World number one Roger Federer on Saturday said he was expecting a tough battle at the Masters Cup with all eight players capable of lifting the title.   

Federer opens the 3.7-million-dollar tournament against defending champion David Nalbandian on Sunday in a rematch of last year's classic final which the Argentine won in five sets.   

"I think this is a really tough Masters Cup, one of the toughest I've been in," said the Swiss.   

"I see danger written all over the tournament, that's why I had to be ready. It's open, everybody in this year's Masters Cup has something great in his game."   

The top eight have declared themselves fit and ready for the tournament, a far cry from last year's injury-hit event when five players pulled out.   

Federer, who was struggling with an ankle injury last year, said he was in peak condition going into Sunday's match with Nalbandian.   

"This is going to be a big match for us," said the 2003 and 2004 champion.   

"It's going to be a tough test for both of us and it's going to be a lot of pressure on either player if he loses or wins." Federer and Nalbandian have been drawn with Ivan Ljubicic and Andy Roddick in Red Group for the round-robin matches.   

Rafael Nadal, who accounted for four of Federer's five losses this season, is in Gold Group with Nikolay Davydenko, Tommy Robredo and James Blake.   

"I'm not thinking of Nadal right now," Federer said. "He's in a different group, but if we play each other in the semi-finals or the final that would be great."