Roger Federer, Indian Wells
Mar 19, 2017; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Roger Federer (SUI) poses with the championship trophy after defeated Stan Wawrinka (not pictured) 7-6, 6-4 in the men's final in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. USA TODAY Sports/Jayne Kamin-Oncea

Roger Federer, 35, can become the oldest World No. 1 in history, according to fellow Swiss star Stan Wawrinka. Federer, who started the new year at No. 17 in the ATP Tour rankings, has already risen to No. 6 after victories at the 2017 Australian Open and most recently the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

On April 28, 2003, Andre Agassi, at 33 years and 13 days, became the oldest World No. 1 in the Open Era. Though the American's return to the top lasted only two weeks, Agassi recaptured the No. 1 ranking once again on June 16, 2003, which he held for 12 weeks until September 7, 2003. Last week, Federer eclipsed Agassi as the oldest player to win an ATP Masters 1000 title with his victory at Indian Wells. Agassi, at 34 years and 3 months, had won the Cincinnati Masters in 2004 to set the previous record.

For Federer, reclaiming the No. 1 ranking isn't top priority but the Swiss master has acknowledged that "being healthy and enjoying tournaments" takes precedence over statistical accolades. The 35-year-old is currently in Key Biscayne where he is primed to win his 26th career ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title and 91st overall tournament. If he succeeds, Federer would rise to No. 4 in the world, per several reports.

At 35, Roger Federer is playing at an elite level

According to Wawrinka, the recent injuries suffered by top seeds Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray has given Federer a window to reclaim the World No. 1 ranking. "For sure he has a shot for number one, he has just won the first Masters final (of the new ATP season). For sure he has a big shot. It is going to be interesting to see. Rafael Nadal is playing well also and we will see when Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are back from injury, it is going to be really interesting for tennis fans,” Wawrinka told reporters on Wednesday, via The Herald Sun.

Wawrinka has already suffered two major defeats to Federer this year. After the five-set 2017 Australian Open semi-final, Wawrinka failed to put away his countryman during last week's Indian Wells final. Wawrinka enters the Miami Open as the No. 1 seed but knows well that Federer is playing at an elite level. “From him nothing is a surprise, but for sure to see him moving that well at that age it is something amazing. It is good for me to see that you can be at the top (at that age). It is amazing to see how he is playing after a six-month injury.”

Previously, Roger Federer had targeted securing a Top-8 ranking ahead of Wimbledon. The 35-year-old could very well rise to World No. 4 by next week if he were to capture the Miami Open, a tournament he hasn't participated in since the 2014 season. Federer previously won the Key Biscayne event in 2005 and 2006. It won't be an easy path to the finals for Federer, who coult potentially face Argentine Juan Martin del Potro in the third round.