Nadal pulls out Cincinnati for US Open prep

WASHINGTON - Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters for the second year in a row after lifting ATP Montreal title for US Open preparation on Sunday.

The Spaniard announced his withdrawal a few hours after he won his fifth Canadian title 6-3, 6-0 over Russian Daniil Medvedev.

"I am very sorry to announce that I won't be playing in Cincinnati this year," Nadal posted on Facebook. "No other reason than personally taking care of my body and trying to keep as healthy as I feel now."

"I'm sure the tournament will be a success and I wish him and his team all the best," Nadal said.

Nadal will go into the US Open with just one hardcourt warm-up, albeit his record-extending 35th Masters 1000 title.

Top seed Novak Djokovic and No. 3 Roger Federer were drawn in the top half. Neither of the pair have played since their Wimbledon final a month ago won by Djokovic.

Federer is bidding for an eighth Cincinnati title while Djokovic is the defending champion.