No ‘Big Four’ reunion as Rafael Nadal withdraws from Cincinnati Masters

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Rafael Nadal in action

Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the Western & Southern Open as he needs to “take care of his body”.

Just hours after winning the Rogers Cup for a fourth time with a two-set victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Toronto, the world No 1 confirmed that he won’t be heading to Cincinnati.

“I am very sorry to announce that I won’t be playing in Cincinnati this year. No other reason than personally taking care of my body and trying to keep as healthy as I feel now,” he said in a statement.

“I am very thankful to my friend Andre Silva, Tournament Director of the Cincinnati tournament, who after speaking to him on the phone understood what I said to him and understands the situation. I am sure the tournament will be a success and I wish him and his team all the best.

“I am also sad for those amazing fans in Cincy who always gave me great support. I am sure I’ll see them next year and I am sorry I won’t be with them this year. Thanks for all the support as always.”

He will be replaced in the draw by a lucky loser, but it once again means that the Big Four of Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray won’t feature in the same tournament.

The four haven’t played in the same event in more than a year due to either injury or the managing of their workloads and schedules.

Rafael Nadal

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