Roger Federer announced his withdrawal from the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati on Monday, citing a back injury he suffered in Montreal.
While some may consider his absence at this week's ATP Masters 1000 a loss for the U.S. Open lead-up tournament, it can be seen as a win for someone else: Federer's withdrawal guarantees that Rafael Nadal will move into the World No. 1 ranking position at the end of the week.
After 18-year-old Canadian Denis Shapovalov stunned Nadal 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(4) in the round of 16 at Rogers Cup in Montreal last week, Andy Murray held onto the top spot.