Andy Murray, a two-time Western & Southern Open champion, has withdrawn from the 2017 tournament citing an ongoing hip injury.
“Unfortunately I won’t be playing in Cincinnati as I continue my recovery,” Murray said. “I always enjoy playing there and I look forward to returning next year. I’m continuing to work hard on the court with the aim of being in New York.”
Murray has held the No. 1 ranking on the ATP World Tour since Nov. 7, 2016. Rafael Nadal may overtake him and return to No. 1 by advancing to the semifinals this week in Montreal. Whether Nadal reaches No. 1 this week, the top spot may still be on the line during next week’s Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.
Regardless of Nadal’s result this week, he will be the No. 1 seed in Cincinnati. Nadal, the 2013 champion, will be top seed at the event for the first time since 2010.
Roger Federer will be the No. 2 seed, marking the 10th time that he has been one of the top two seeds at the event. A seven-time Western & Southern Open champion, Federer carries a 10-match winning streak into this event, having won the title in each of his last two appearances (2014-15).
This will be the first time Nadal and Federer are the top two seeds at the Western & Southern Open since 2009.
Play begins at the Western & Southern Open on Saturday, Aug 12 with qualifying matches as well as Graeter’s Kids Day powered by Net Generation.