Federer pulls out of Cincinnati

Originally published on 14/08/17 00:00

The 36-year-old, who reached the final of the Rogers Cup last week despite not being at his best, said: "I am very sorry to pull out of the Western & Southern Open as I always enjoy playing here.

"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."

Federer’s surprise withdrawal from his favourite Masters event will see Rafael Nadal become world No.1 again when the rankings are updated next Monday – regardless of what happens in Cincinnati.

It’s been an outstanding season for the French Open champion and he will head to New York for the final Grand Slam of the year as the top seed. Andy Murray, if fit and well, will occupy second spot and Federer will be No.3 seed.

The seventh Masters event of the season has been hit by a spate of injury call-offs and Federer and Murray are joined on the sidelines by Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic.

The Wimbledon champion will be replaced in the draw by lucky-loser Thomas Fabbiano.

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