Out of Cincinnati, Murray guaranteed to lose No. 1 ranking on Aug. 21

Andy Murray has withdrawn from next week’s Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, the Scot announced on Wednesday.

“Unfortunately I won’t be playing in Cincinnati as I continue my recovery,” the world No. 1 wrote on Facebook. “I always enjoy playing there and I look forward to returning next year. I’m continuing to work hard on the court with the aim of being in New York.”

The announcement doesn’t come as a shock, as the three-time Grand Slam champion also withdrew from this week’s Masters event in Montreal because of a nagging hip injury.

The 30-year-old, who won Cincinnati in 2008 and 2011, will lose his top ranking this week if Rafael Nadal reaches the semifinals in Canada.

With his withdrawal in Cincinnati, he’s guaranteed to fall from his perch on Aug. 21, regardless of what Nadal does in Montreal. On that day, he could be as low as No. 3 behind Nadal and Roger Federer.

Murray has been No. 1 since Nov. 7, 2016. After the best season of his career in 2016, his form has significantly fallen in 2017. He’s posted a 25-10 record and won just one title, in Dubai back in early March.

Murray has won multiple titles every year since 2006, a streak that’s now in danger.

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