Sports
It’s ‘Something Special’, says Nadal on returning to No.1 spot
As Roger Federer pulls out of Cincinnati, Rafael Nadal, who is set to become world number one from Monday, says it is “something special” to return to the position.
The Spainiard last topped the men’s singles rankings in July 2014 but will overtake Briton Andy Murray when the next ATP rankings are released next Monday.
Federer was the only player who could prevent Nadal from taking the top spot but was forced to pull out of the Cincinnati Masters with a back problem.
“I am very sorry to pull out,” said Federer. “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.”
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Following Federer’s statement, Nadal, who has won four tournaments this year, said: “Obviously it’s bad news for the event that Roger is not playing.
“For me personally to be back to that position is something special. A lot of things have happened since the last time I was in this spot.
“Injuries and some tough moments, of course, but I have held the passion and the love for the game, and that’s why I have the chance to be back in that position again.
“So I’m just trying to enjoy the moment and just trying to be ready to compete well here. That’s the most important thing for me now.”
And with Federer, Murray and Novak Djokovic all struggling with injuries, Nadal could be in a position of strength ahead of the US Open which starts later in August.
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