Federer reaches Stuttgart final, regains No 1 spot

STUTTGART:Roger Federer staged a 6-7 (2-7), 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) comeback on Saturday over Nick Kyrgios to reach the Stuttgart Cup final and take back the world No.1 ranking.

The 36-year-old Swiss will resume his place at the top of the ATP rankings for the sixth time in his career on Monday, beginning a record 310th week at the summit of the men’s game.His upward move will leave Rafael Nadal in second as the countdown to Wimbledon intensifies with a fortnight left prior to the start of the grass court Major.

Top seed Federer will play for the 98th title of his career on Sunday against Milos Raonic, who hammered 19 aces to eliminate defending champion Lucas Pouille 6-4, 7-6(3).

MURRAY TO RETURN AT QUEEN’S CLUB EVENT

LONDON: Britain’s former world No.1 Andy Murray will make his return from hip surgery at Queen’s Club next week where he will face Australia’s Nick Kyrgios in the first round. Organisers announced his inclusion on Saturday ahead of the draw for the tournament which has the strongest line-up in its 128-year history with 15 of the world’s top-30 taking part. Murray, who has been sidelined for almost a year since losing in quarters at Wimbledon last July, came through a practice session in London on Friday. The Scot, who is a five-time champion at Queen’s but has slipped to No.157 in the rankings, has been handed the toughest of all comebacks against world No.24 Kyrgios, who is a fine grass court player.

JEEVAN GOES DOWN IN CHALLENGER FINAL

NEWDELHI: Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan ended a runner-up on the ATP Challenger Tour for the fourth time this season after he and Austin frittered away a solid start to lose the Nature Valley Open final to Frederik Nielsen and Joe Salisbury in Nottingham.