Spanish Tennis legend Rafael Nadal's disaster comeback match on Wednesday at the Cincinnati Masters leaves him lagging in the chase for the top ATP ranking.
Nadal was ambushed 7-6 (11/9), 4-6, 6-3 in his second-round start by Croat Borna Coric, ending his hopes of overtaking Daniil Medvedev for the world number one rankings, reports BSS.
Top seed Medvedev, who plays on Thursday for a quarter-final spot against Denis Shapovalov, can tighten his grip on his current top position heading into the US Open.
Third-ranked Nadal was rocked by his loss after six weeks away as he healed an abdominal muscle injury that forced his withdrawal from a Wimbledon semi-final against Nick Kyrgios.
Now Nadal goes into the US Open, which begins on August 29 in New York, with only one summer hardcourt match.
The left handed Tennis legend said, "In terms of New York, it's a Grand Slam, a different kind of tournament."
"I was only able to play two sets before this match in the last 40 days. I know that to gain condition. I will have to (be) on the tour practicing with the guys (other players)," he added.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
