Nadal closes in on top spot

Rafael Nadal moved into position to seize the No1 ranking with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) defeat of Tommy Haas hours after Roger Federer opened the door in Cincinnati.

In the wake of his third-round win over the German, Nadal stands three victories away from taking the ATP top spot from Federer and needs to claim the title on Sunday.

Croatia's Ivo Karlovic defeated Federer 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 7-6 (5/7) to set about change at the top after four and a half years of Federer's reign.

"Roger today was very unlucky in the third set," Nadal said. "He only lost two points on the last set, that's terrible for the tennis.

"Right now I know I'm in a good position, because Roger has to win everything from here, from Olympics to US Open. But I don't think too much right now. I only think about trying to improve."

Nadal, who defeated the 26-year-old Swiss in an epic Wimbledon final and won a fourth Roland Garros title, has been chasing Federer all season. The 12-time grand slam winner has owned the top ranking for 235 weeks, the fourth longest in history.

"It's disappointing, losing without getting broken, but it's not the first player it has happened to, especially to a guy like Ivo," said Federer.

"There's always danger in tough matches against Ivo. I knew that from the start."

Federer has no choice but to look ahead to the Beijing Olympics next Friday.

"So far it's OK. I guess I'll analyse and assess my game after the US Open. For the moment it's just all a blur," said the world No1.

"So many tournaments in a row, big tournaments in a row, it's hard. It's a tough trip we've got up in front of us now, going back to China and coming back to the Open.

"I'm looking forward for the next two tournaments," he added. "Those are really the ones that can make this season from a good one to a great one again."