Confident Federer makes great escape

CINCINNATI, Ohio: Roger Federer waited until the last moment to start the rescue of his No 1 ranking, overcoming Robby Ginepri 6-7 (2), 7-6 (5), 6-0 on Tuesday at the ATP Cincinnati Masters.

The second-round drama in two hours, 13 minutes showed the Swiss just how tough it will be to hold off the field as he tries to extend his 235 weeks on top of the rankings.

With Rafael Nadal pressing, if Federer goes out in his title defence before the semifinals and the Spaniard wins the event - it would be his eighth of the season - the top ranking changes hands.