ROGER FEDERER and Rafael Nadal on Tuesday joined Wimbledon champion Andy Murray to pull out of next week’s Toronto Masters.

    Seventeen-time major champion Federer said he would like to take more time after Wimbledon while Nadal, who has 14 Grand Slam titles, still is recovering from his wrist injury.

    That leaves Serbian world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who suffered a shock third-round defeat to American Sam Querrey at Wimbledon, as the only member of tennis’ “big four” taking part in the Toronto event which runs from July 25 to July 31.

    The “big four” are expected to take part in the Rio Olympic Games which start Aug. 5.

    Tennis Canada announced Monday that reigning champion Murray, fresh from capturing his second Wimbledon title earlier this month, had withdrawn from next week’s Toronto Masters.

    Briton Murray, the world No. 2, said his body simply needs more rest after his grass-court championship run.

    “My body needs some recovery time after reaching the latter stages of tournaments over the past few months,” Murray said.

    The three-time Toronto winner, who also won Grand Slam titles in 2012 at the U.S. Open and 2013 at Wimbledon, had not missed the event since his 2006 debut.

    “Certainly we are disappointed,” tournament director Karl Hale said. “Andy is one of the very top players in the world and a fan favorite. He will be missed but we wish him continued success.”

    (SD-Xinhua)