Aiming to be "100 percent" for ATP Finals, Federer pulls out of Paris

Roger Federer is taking a week off following his emotional 10th title at his hometown of Basel. The world No. 3 will not play the Paris Masters, but is aiming to contend for the ATP Tour Finals in London.

Federer won his 103rd title in front of cheering home crowd and was in tears upon lifting the trophy.

"It's such an incredible journey I have had," he told Tages Anzeiger following the win. "I don't consider such tournament victories normal. Each one has its own flavor."

Federer planned to speak with his team about whether to play Paris, finally deciding he preferred to rest for the ATP Finals. He noted that it is the biggest title he could still win this season, having not grabbed any of the Grand Slam events.

"I could play Paris, but I do not know if I should," said Federer. "[In 2018] I had a stiff back before London. The goal is to be 100 percent for London. And if I can do that and not win, that's okay."

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But Federer, who cruised to the title at Basel, also finds he is in good form.

"I know the level is there, the confidence also," he said. "For six months I've been training at the top level, it could not have been better."

He has also moved another step towards Jimmy Connors's record 109 titles, but is downplaying his pursuit of that feat.

"Of course I would be happy if I could equal such a significant record," he said, but added, "I'm not planning to chase the most titles. The priority is health and family. Everything else is secondary."

Federer is a six-time champion at the ATP Tour Finals. The top eight players qualify for the round-robin competition.