Roger Federer's path to a fifth Masters Cup title has been smoothed by the absence of Rafael Nadal but he will have to face down a band of talented young guns to take the lion's share of the $4.45 million purse next week.
The 27-year-old has closed out dominant seasons by reigning supreme in Shanghai for the last two years, but his star has waned in 2008 and he withdrew from last week's Paris Masters with a back injury.
Still, with world number one Nadal sidelined by tendonitis of the knee, few would bet against the Swiss bidding farewell to the Qi Zhong arena by winning a fifth title in six years.
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"I've been very successful at the last tournament of the season," Federer said after winning in Basel last month.
"I've shown I've got something left in the tank and the fact it's indoors and hard court has also always played in my favour. It's also the last time it will be taking place there in terms of the Masters Cup so I hope I can finish well."
Photographs: Getty Images | Text: Reuters
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