Nadal set to seal year-end No 1 spot in Paris.

PARIS – Rafael Nadal will be crowned as the year-end world number one if he wins his first match at this week’s Paris Masters, after Roger Federer withdrew from the tournament, reports AFP/BSS. The two old rivals have both had stunning seasons, returning to form and fitness with two Grand Slam titles each.

But Federer, who could have still usurped Nadal at the top of the rankings with titles in the French capital and at the World Tour Finals in London, pulled out of the final event of the regular season to protect a back problem. The 36-year-old said winning his eighth Swiss Indoors title on Sunday against Juan Martin del Potro left him unfit to play at the Bercy Arena.

“I am very sorry to have to pull out of the Paris Masters but my body needs a rest after Basel,” said the Swiss legend.