Roger Federer can regain the number one ranking in the near future if he continues his fine form, believes arch-rival Rafael Nadal.

Federer got the better of Nadal in the just-concluded Miami Open final, making it three wins for the former in as many head-to-head encounters this year.

The triumph saw the Swiss jump to No. 4 in the latest ATP rankings, one place ahead Nadal. But, his Spanish counterpart wouldn’t be surprised to see him make further inroads.

“This is very simple: if Roger Federer continues to play like that, he will be number one,” Nadal said. “Of course, from my experience, I know it’s difficult to play well all year round. The dynamics change and we will see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Federer is slated to miss the clay-court season and participate only at Roland Garros before the Wimbledon. Nadal, on the other hand, is expected to feature in the complete swing of his favourite surface clay.