The Rogers Cup scheduled next month in Toronto will not feature 20-time Grand Slam champion and World number 2, Roger Federer.
Federer, who is a two-time champion of the Rogers Cup, withdrew from the competition with the hopes of prolonging his career and staying in top condition for the U.S. Open. Despite Federer's absence, the Rogers Cup, which opens its curtains on Aug. 4, will still feature 19 of the globe's top 20 players.
Federer competed in last year's Rogers Cup in Montreal, wherein he lost to Alexander Zverev of Germany in the final round. Prior to joining last year's Rogers Cup, he pocketed his eighth Wimbledon title in dominant fashion, as he did not drop a single set.
"Unfortunately with scheduling being the key to my longevity moving forward, I have regrettably decided to withdraw from Toronto," Federer said.
The tournament is just one of the two Masters events to kick off on the road to the U.S. Open. Federer captured five crowns at the Flushing Meadows with his last titular win coming a decade ago.
Swiss Netter Will Remain In Second
Federer has been nothing short of phenomenal, as he managed to defy father time by winning three of his seven tournaments this year. He won his 20th Grand Slam title after winning the Australian Open in January. Federer has also bagged titles in Stuttgart and Rotterdam.
The 36-year-old Federer, who is coming off an agonizing five-set quarterfinal loss to Kevin Anderson in the Wimbledon, is set to lose 600 points. Federer also suffered a finals loss in the Indian Wells and Halle. Nonetheless, Federer will likely remain at number 2 heading into Cincinnati unless Juan Martin del Potro makes the final in Los Cabos and comes away victorious in Toronto.
Federer won in Cincinnati seven times before missing it last year due to an injury on his back. The Swiss netter will have a little time to rest as the U.S. Open fires off in New York two weeks later.
Murray Returns To Action
Meanwhile, former world number 1 Andy Murray will return to the court after taking a wildcard entry in the event. The 30-year-old Murray, who is slated to play in Washington next week, underwent a hip surgery in Queens a few weeks ago and wasn't able to play in the Wimbledon.
Murray, who dramatically dropped below the Top 800 in the rankings, will be joined by four-time champion Novak Djokovic and three-time winner Rafael Nadal. Djokovic is coming off an impressive titular victory at Wimbledon earlier this month.
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