In seven days time there will be a new name at the top of the Emirates rankings, but it is unclear if it will be Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal.
Due to the ongoing absence of Andy Murray, who is nursing a hip injury, both men has a chance to claim the top spot at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati. Although, it is unclear if Federer will play in the tournament. The Swiss 36-year-old was denied the title at the Rogers Cup on Sunday by a fearless Alexander Zverev, who triumphed in straight sets. It was the first time that Federer has lost a match this season without having a match point opportunity.
“I felt all right all week. Had a bit of muscle pain, aches and pains here and there, just because it’s back on the match courts, on the hard courts. After vacation and practice, it’s always a bit of a shock for the body.” Federer said about his Montreal performance.
It is those aches and pains that is putting his attendance at this week’s Masters 1000 tournament in doubt. Federer has dominated the Cincinnati Open in recent years, winning the title a record seven times. Along with Bill Talbert, he has reached the final of the tournament more times than any other man. It is almost fitting that he could reclaim the world No.1 position at an event he has dominated, but the 36-year-old is refusing to get carried away.
“I’ll travel to Cincinnati tonight (Sunday night), then take a decision in the next couple of days and see how I feel after five days of playing, if I’m ready to play in Cincy next week or not.” He explained.
If he would to skip the tournament, it could be part of a bigger plan by Federer. Following his defeat in Canada, he was questioned if he would prefer to be No.1 before the US Open or at the end of the season. Without hesitation, he replied ‘year-end if I could chose,’ before joking with reporters.
The race to the top
As it stands, Nadal is ranked second in the world with 7,555 points, followed by Federer with 7145. Should both men play on the tour this week, Federer needs to outperform Nadal significantly. For example, if the Spaniard goes out in the second round, Federer needs to progress to at least the semifinals.Should both men reach the final, Nadal will become world No.1.
Murray begins his 41st & final week (at least for now) as world no 1 today. Federer or Nadal to take over after @CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/vIyqsbvXIq
— Andy Schooler (@NetTalkTennis) 14 August 2017
Should Federer play Cincinnati, his first opponent will be either Karen Khachanov or Diego Schwartzman. Meanwhile, Nadal will take on Richard Gasquet or John-Patrick Smith.