World No. 1 Roger Federer revealed his ideal final opponent for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals during the media round tables Friday in London: British favourite Andy Murray.

The Swiss addressed the possibility of needing to defeat the World No. 4 twice – first in the round robin stage, and then in the championship match – in order to reclaim the circuit finale title. “I hope that happens because that means I’m in the finals and him too and everybody’s happy!” said Federer.

But the four-time champion, who failed to advance past the round robin stage last year for the first time in seven event appearances, was quick not to look too far ahead. “It’s not really on my mind right now, I don’t know if I’m going to play him in my second or third match yet,” he said.

Murray cemented Federer’s early exit last year at the circuit finale held in Shanghai. Federer faced a do-or-die match against Murray in his last of three round robin matches, having already suffered a surprise loss to Frenchman Gilles Simon, and fell in three sets. This year, the pair has been drawn into the same round robin group again – Group A – alongside US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina and Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

Federer, the most experienced contender with a 27-5 circuit finale mark, said: “I’m looking forward to the match with Murray for sure. After having a few good ones this year and we’ve played a number of times now the past few years. Also at the World Tour Finals last year we had a great match against each other. It’s even more special playing him here in London, which I don’t think I’ve ever done before.”

The 22-year-old Murray kicks off the singles competition during Sunday’s day session at The O2 in London when he plays del Potro. In the evening session, Federer takes a 3-0 head-to-head record into his opening match against Verdasco.

The Swiss’ performance at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals comes with even higher stakes this year, as he attempts to hold off rival Rafael Nadal in the battle to be crowned 2009 ATP World Tour Champion. Federer finished as the ATP World Tour Champion from 2004-07 before the Spaniard stripped him of the distinction last season.

He said of the battle for the No. 1 year-end ranking: “I’d be lying if I said I was just here to play well. Definitely I’m here to win the tournament and try to stay No. 1 in the world. It’s obvious that competition’s really stiff so it’s not going to be an easy task for me or Rafa if he wants to get it. I think it’s fun that it’s on the line for the last tournament of the season. For my side I’ll try my best and see where it takes me. Like I said I think the first match is important to get off to a good start in the round-robin campaign.”

Federer is looking to cap off an exceptional 2009 season that saw him complete the career Grand Slam, become the all-time Grand Slam titles record holder, and reclaim the No. 1 ranking.

Although he finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic at the Davidoff Swiss Indoors Basel and suffered an upset loss in his opening match at Bercy to conclude the regular season, he maintained a positive outlook heading into the Finals.

“It’s always like this after six weeks of not playing any matches,” he said, reflecting on his results. “It’s tough to come back and at the same time I think Djokovic played a good match in Basel, very tough, very solid and didn’t give me much so it was up to me to make the difference and maybe, not having played enough…

“[In Paris] my game was there, I just needed to get through that first round and I didn’t so that’s why I’m not too disappointed and worried about my performance. I practised really well the past couple of weeks and my game is better now. I got information out of Basel and Paris so I hope it’s going to pay off here in London now.”

More than 250,000 tickets have been sold and only a limited number of tickets remain. The O2 is set to be a fantastic host for the eight-day singles and doubles tournament. Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster or by calling 0844 847 2495 within the UK. Overseas customers should call +44 161 372 0025. For more information please visit www.BarclaysATPWorldTourFinals.com.