STARNBERG, August 13, 2018

One year ago, Grigor Dimitrov earned what was his biggest title, defeating Aussie Nick Kyrgios to lift his maiden ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophy in Cincinnati. But he faces a tough task if he wants to triumph at the Western & Southern Open again, with 12 of the top 13 players in the ATP Rankings in the draw.

Roger Federer and Andy Murray, who have combined to win the tournament in nine of the past 13 years, could face one another in the third round, while 2013 champion and World No. 1 Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the event due to “personal reasons” after lifting the trophy in Toronto.

“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. 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 and understand 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 and around who always gave me great support.” Nadal stated on twitter.

This is also the only Masters 1000 event that 69-time tour-level titlist Novak Djokovic has not won. He has reached the final here five times and will start his title bid against Steve Johnson from the United States.