Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are both out of the world's top four for the first time in 13 years as two of the greatest players in the Open Era continues to struggle late in their respective careers.
Career rivals Federer and Nadal are not in the top four of the latest ATP World Rankings for the first time in more than a decade. Federer is currently ranked as world No. 7, while Nadal has been consistent this season dwelling at No. 5. The last time both Federer and Nadal were out of the top four was back in June 2003, when the Swiss Maestro won the first of his 17 Grand Slam singles titles.
For Federer's part, it is completely understandable dropping from world No. 3 to two places lower than Nadal in the rankings. Federer had a tough start to the season, suffering the first major injury of his career that forced him to undergo knee surgery. Occasional back problems also contributed to the Basel native's losing skid before another injury to his left knee ended his season, forcing him to skip the remainder of the year.
Federer is scheduled to return next year at the Hopman Cup in Perth before competing at the Australian Open, where he could record his 18th consecutive appearance at the event. The 35-year-old Swiss admitted he is excited to compete again, insisting that he is on track of coming back "fit, super, strong and healthy."
"My team tells me I'm on schedule and the promise of getting back on court and competing again is very exciting," Federer said, reports the Herald Sun.
"I've missed it so much. My motivation and love of the sport is as strong as ever and I'm really looking forward to heading down under to see all my Australian fans."
Nadal has also struggled this season to keep himself on the winning track, although the Mallorcan showed glimpses of his old form at times, which earned him back-to-back titles during the European clay circuit. It was at that point where Nadal seems to have found his tennis mojo back, but a left wrist injury halted any hopes of ending his major-title drought, forcing him to withdraw mid event from the French Open.
Coming off his first doubles title at the China Open, Nadal looks to boost his chances of qualifying for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London next month. The King of Clay currently sits at seventh place in the Race to London rankings, and a win at the Shanghai Masters and the remaining tournaments in his calendar schedule should help him solidify his chances of competing at the Tour finale.
"A Win is always a win," Nadal said after conquering the doubles category at the China Open with fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.
"Yeah, is always a positive thing finish a tournament with a victory, even if it's in doubles. That makes you feel on competition, too. You feel happier going to the next tournament. Especially winning with a good friend, too, is something that is a bit more special. So we're happy for that."