Rafael Nadal To Become World No.1 As Federer Withdraws From Cincinnati

Rafael Nadal will become the new world No.1 next week after Roger Federer pulled out of the Western and Southern Open due to a back injury.

The two were set to go head-to-head at the Cincinnati Masters with the top ranking at stake. Nadal already had a 410-point lead over Federer heading into the tournament with current number one Andy Murray set to drop points due to his absence from the tour. Now the Spaniard will rise to the top regardless of how he performs this week.

Federer’s injury blow occurred at the Rogers Cup, where he lost to Alexander Zverev in the final yesterday. In a statement to the media, the 36-year-old said he, ‘tweaked’ his back whilst playing in Canada. Although it is currently unclear as to when he did it and the severity of the issue.

“I am very sorry to pull out of the Western & Southern Open as I always enjoy playing here,” Federer said. “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.”

Speculation about the presence of the Swiss world No.3 in Cincinnati started on Sunday. During his Montreal press conference, Federer admitted that his main goal is the year-end No.1 ranking and that he is currently experiencing ‘aches and pains.’

“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.” He explained.

Federer will be replaced in the main draw by lucky loser Thomas Fabbiano.

Nadal back on top

Following the turn of events, Nadal will headline the world ranking for the first time since July 2014. He has already spent a total of 141 weeks at world No.1, which is the seventh longest in the Open Era.

It is a dream outcome for the 31-year-old, who dropped to as low as 9th in December following an injury-stricken 2016 season. Regardless of his numerous injury struggles, Nadal has remained in the world’s top-10 since making his debut in April 2005.

Heading into the US Open, which gets underway on August 28th, Nadal is set to be the top seed in the draw for the first time since 2010.

Who has been world No.1 the longest? (ATP only)