Roger Federer’s 14-year stint in the world’s top 10 has come to an end after he dropped outside of the group for the first time since October 2002.
Hampered by injury problems during the early part of the year, the 17-time grand slam champion decided to end his season early and focus on rehabilitating his knee. As a result of not playing a match since his run to the semi-finals of the Wimbledon Championships, Federer has now dropped to a 14-year ranking low this week.
Despite being absent from the tour, the 35-year-old is eager to return to action at the start of 2017. During a recent interview with French radio station Europe 1, Federer is confident that he can once again challenge for the top.
“I really hope this will be a great, real return,” Said Federer. “That’s why I’ve worked hard lately. Physical therapy, fitness, physical, and tennis now. I still have sixty days before January. The knee is holding. So far, I’m really happy and it gives me hope that if I come back for a good return.”
Few can doubt the significance of Federer’s exit from the top 10. To put this into perspective, world No.48 Borna Coric was just 4-years-old when Federer was last ranked outside the top 10 in October 2002.
Federer’s slip from the top has done little to derail his dominance in the sporting world. Earlier this year he came first in the Forbes ‘Fab 40’ list of the most valuable sports brands with a brand value of $37 million per year. He is also the richest tennis player in the world with earnings of $67.8 million (60m of which is due to endorsements). According to Forbes, only LeBron James, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has earned more.
The last time Federer wasn’t a top 10 player (W/C – 7/10/2002)……..
- Lleyton Hewitt was world number one and the only player on the tour to have over 4000 ranking points
- Rafael Nadal was the world No.261
- Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic didn’t have an ATP ranking
- The four current grand slam champions were Thomas Johansson (Australia), Alberto Costa (Roland Garros), Lleyton Hewitt (Wimbledon) and Pete Sampras (US Open)
- Federer only had three ATP titles to his name
- Borna Coric, Taylor Fritz and Alexander Zverev were all under the age of five
