London, United KingdomRafael Nadal of Spain attends a news conference after being defeated by Nick Kyrgios of Australia in their men's singles tennis match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in London July 1, 2014.
London, United KingdomRafael Nadal of Spain attends a news conference after being defeated by Nick Kyrgios of Australia in their men's singles tennis match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in London July 1, 2014. REUTERS

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer aren’t battling each other yet at the 2014 Shanghai Open but they might as well be, as both tennis superstars are thinking of the world no. 2 spot in the ATP rankings entering the tournament in Shanghai, China.

Struggling with injuries in the latter part of the 2014 tennis season, Rafael Nadal is trying to hold on to the no. 2 world ranking with rival Roger Federer hot on his heels. Both are playing in China this week and their respective results could very well decide who will take the no. 2 spot next to Novak Djokovic, who is comfortably ahead of Nadal, Federer and the rest of the field, at the number one spot.

Here’s a look at the current top ten players in the men’s singles:

1. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) - 12,150 points

2. Rafael Nadal (Spain) - 8.455

3. Roger Federer (Switzerland) - 8,170

4. Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland) - 5,555

5. David Ferrer (Spain) - 4,495

6. Kei Nishikori (Japan) - 4,435

7. Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) - 4,235

8. Milos Raonic (Canada) - 3,965

9. Marin Cilic (Croatia) - 3,935

10. Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) - 3,710

Nadal currently has 8,455 points to Federer’s 8,170 points or a 285-point difference. Nadal made the semis in last year’s Shanghai tournament and will need to reach the final four to retain 360 points. Meanwhile, Federer reached the third round and could gain points and probably past Nadal if he does better than last year and if Nadal suffers an early exit.

Nadal seems to be serious in protecting his spot as the world’s second best by playing in Shanghai despite being diagnosed with appendicitis during the weekend.

“Originally the doctors were very negative but it is my decision,” Nadal declared via the tournament’s official website. “I am in Shanghai. I am here to play a tournament. If I don't play, I don't have the possibility to win. So that's it.”

Both Federer and Nadal, who are seeded 2nd and 3rd in Shanghai, respectively, have earned first round byes. Nadal meets compatriot Feliciano Lopez in the second round while Federer takes on Leonardo Mayer of Argentina. Both opens their Shanghai campaign on Wednesday night.

Federer has tough players in his side of the draw and would battle either Kei Nishikori of Japan or Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Nadal will probably meet Milos Raonic in the last eight if he is fit and healthy.

Can Roger Federer catch-up with Rafael Nadal and steal the world no. 2 ranking after the Shanghai tournament?

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