By Richard Allen
ROME (Reuters) - Roger Federer rejects the idea that the balance of power in men's tennis has tipped toward Novak Djokovic after a 32-match winning run and believes he can still beat Pete Sampras's record for time spent as world number one.
"It's still very real and possible. I think I can do it if I win one of those grand slams."
Serbia's Djokovic could become the first player other than Federer or Nadal to hold the top ranking since 2004 if he wins the Rome Masters this week, but Federer remains confident he can still challenge the top two.
"They (Djokovic and Nadal) are playing better than me but I'm close to winning those tournaments," said Federer, who lost to Nadal in the semi-finals of the Madrid Masters last week.
"It's not as if I'm losing in the first or second rounds.
"It doesn't feel more different apart from having three more questions to answer at a press conference, but they deserve their press and it's all good stories."
While the 29-year-old did not watch Djokovic's straight sets defeat of Nadal in the Madrid final Sunday, he felt the Serb would have it tougher in Rome and Paris.
"It was surprising to see Rafa lose on clay but it was just one tournament," he said. "It was a quick clay court so he (Djokovic) had a better chance of beating Rafa."
This year the Rome Masters, which for the first time in decades features men and women in one tournament, takes place after the Madrid Open.
"I think that's a better schedule," said Federer. "You don't have to go (to the French Open) from altitude. Rome is more similar to Paris than Madrid so it's easier to get off to a good start there."
(Editing by Martyn Herman))
