Roger Federer: The SEVEN players who can help Rafael Nadal by beating Federer in Basel
ROGER FEDERER needs to win the Swiss Indoors in Basel this week to close the gap to 1,460 points to Rafael Nadal.
Roger Federer is going for glory at the Swiss Indoors
So who can help Nadal and take down Federer early? Express Sport go through the dangers in the Swiss Indoors draw.
Juan Martin del Potro
The main danger to Federer. Has beaten him before - most recently at the US Open - and he ran him close in Shanghai. Has the weapons to hit through Federer on hard courts. In the bottom half of the draw.
Marin Cilic
Another possible final opponent. The joint second favourite with the bookies - alongside Del Potro - but his first round draw could have been easier. Out the hat came Fernando Verdasco but the test could stand him in good stead if he wins that one. Federer and Cilic met in the final at Wimbledon - only for Cilic to end up in tears.
David Goffin
Goffin is bidding for an ATP Tour Finals spot and needs to go deep this week. Could meet Federer, who he has never beaten, in the semis.
David Goffin is a potential danger for Roger Federer
Roberto Bautista Agut
No.6 seed and in the bottom half of the draw. Federer has a 7-0 head-to-head record and the Spaniard has never won a set against him. Still, their last two meetings were closer and Federer needed two tie-breaks to win in Miami.
Adrian Mannarino
Could be up for Federer in the quarters. Seeded seventh and has been in decent form this season. On the downside, Mannarino has never won a set against the great - although they haven't met since 2013.
Jack Sock
In Federer's half of the draw. Has big weapons - a huge serve and a heavy forehand - and is a formidable force when on song. Met twice in semi-finals before, however, and Sock has lost both.
Steve Johnson
Possible second round opponent, if he overcomes Benoit Paire. Has a career high of 21 and has an ATP title under his belt this season in Houston. They met in Indian Wells where Johnson lost 7-6 7-6 in March.