Federer withdraws from Cincinnati

Roger Federer will miss this week’s Cincinnati Masters, meaning Rafael Nadal will ascend to world No.1 next week.

Federer was in with a shot of returning to the summit if he outperformed Nadal at Cincinnati – a great possibility given he had won the tournament on seven previous occasions.

Number one scenarios for next week in Cincinnati. If Federer plays, ofc. pic.twitter.com/h9M8dlk6fJ

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 13, 2017

Yet the Swiss superstar sustained a back injury at last week’s Montreal Masters, where he fell to the surging Alexander Zverev in a straight-sets final.

WOODBRIDGE: Zverev proves her’s the real deal

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

“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.”

Nadal, who first reached No.1 after reaching the Cincinnati semifinals in 2008, last held top spot more than three years ago.

“It’s been tough to get back to No.1,” Nadal said.  “I’m happy to have the chance to be in that position.”

Get well soon, guys! pic.twitter.com/QTqaFRin5F

— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) August 14, 2017

Federer joins Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic on the sidelines.

The besieged tournament is also missing Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka.