Nadal set to keep No.1 position
TENNIS: Rafael Nadal will be crowned as the year-ending men’s world No.1 if he wins his first match at this week’s Paris Masters, following Roger Federer’s withdrawal from the tournament.
Federer could have overtaken his great rival at the top of the rankings with titles in the French capital and at the World Tour Finals in London, but will be nursing a back complaint.
The 36-year-old won his eighth Swiss Indoors title against Juan Martin del Potro at the Bercy Arena.
“I am very sorry to have to pull out of the Paris Masters but my body needs a rest after Basel,” the Swiss master (pictured) said.
“I’ve played a lot of tennis this year and need to make sure I look after my physical wellbeing.
“I’d like to be fully fit for London and for 2018.”
Top seed Nadal has a bye in the first round in Paris before a second-round encounter that can guarantee him his first year-ending world No.1 ranking since 2013.
Federer overcame some rare moments of ragged play and frustration to stave off a determined Juan Martin Del Potro, 6-7 6-4 6-3, in Basel.
