Associated Press
MASON, Ohio ó Roger Federer lost another match and, perhaps, his longtime grip on No. 1, as well.
Federer had another out-of-character setback Thursday, a 7-6 (8-6), 4-6, 7-6 (9-7) loss to Ivo Karlovic that opened the door for Rafael Nadal to take over the No. 1 spot by winning the Cincinnati Masters championship.
Nadal stayed on course for the seismic shift by beating Tommy Haas 6-4, 7-6 (7-0) later on Thursday, reaching the quarterfinals with his 31st consecutive win.
iI know Iím in good position,î Nadal said. iIn truth, I donít think about it too much.î
Federer has been ranked No. 1 since Feb. 2, 2004, a record of 235 consecutive weeks. He and Nadal have held the top two spots since July 25, 2005.
iLook, heís doing well and I have done well in the past,î Federer said. iThis year was hard, I guess, with the start of the year. But nevertheless, I still think itís been a good year. I just hope I can show it now at the Olympics and the U.S. Open.î
WOMEN
MONTREAL ó Top-ranked Ana Ivanovic was knocked out of the Rogers Cup by Tamira Paszek, giving second-ranked Jelena Jankovic a chance to take over the No. 1 ranking if she can reach the tourney final.
n Maria Sharapova will miss the Beijing Olympics because of a right shoulder injury.