Roger Federer’s shock decision will crown new men’s No. 1
Roger Federer has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open due to a back injury which means Rafael Nadal will be crowned as the new world No. 1 in next week’s rankings.
Federer said he suffered the serious injury in Montreal, where he lost to Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the final.
"I am very sorry to pull out of the Western and Southern Open as I always enjoy playing here," Federer said in a statement issued by the tournament.
"Cincinnati has some of the best fans in the world and I am sorry I will miss them. Unfortunately, I tweaked my back in Montreal and I need to rest this week."
This withdrawal guarantees Nadal will take the top of the rankings that will be issued on August 21.
Nadal last held the position as No. 1 on July 6, 2014.
The Spanish athlete first ascended to the top of the ranks in 2008 after reaching the Western and Southern semi-finals, a rank he held for 141 weeks.
"It's been tough to get back to No.1," Nadal said.
"I'm happy to have the chance to be in that position."
Nadal will play Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the second round of the Cincinnati Open.
On Monday, Gasquet won against Australia’s John-Patrick Smith 6-4 6-4 in the tournament opener.
Other players also advancing to the next round include Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic, Fabio Fognini, Mitchell Krueger and Spain’s Feliciano Lopez.