Resting Roger tempers Rafa's return to top

Federer's absence from Cincy lifts Nadal to No 1 spot

CINCINNATI - Rafael Nadal was thrilled on Monday to learn he is returning to world No 1 for the first time in three years - but he was sorry it came because Roger Federer withdrew from this week's ATP Cincinnati Masters tournament.

Third-ranked Federer said he injured his back in Montreal, where he lost Sunday's final to Germany's Alexander Zverev in a key hardcourt tuneup for the US Open.