By Chris Oddo | Monday August 14, 2017
Roger Federer's withdrawal from Cincinnati means that Rafael Nadal will be the ATP's new No.1 in seven days.
Photo Source: AFP
It was supposed to be a showdown followed by a coronation.
Now, it’s just a coronation.
Roger Federer has withdrawn from this week’s Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, assuring Rafael Nadal a return to the top of the ATP rankings next week.
Federer had crept to within 400 points of Nadal and if he had played both players would have held their destiny in their hands at the final Masters 1000 before the U.S. Open.
Instead, Federer’s withdrawal opened the path for Nadal and cast the Swiss’ U.S. Open chances in doubt.
Nadal will makes his return to No.1 for the first time since July of 2014. It will be his 142nd weed at the top of the ATP rankings.
Federer will have an opportunity to surpass Nadal at the U.S. Open where the Spaniard will be defending Round of 16 points.