No more ‘Big 4’ for faltering Federer

SHANGHAI— Roger Federer insists he can defy his advancing years but increasingly regular defeats have pushed him out of the "Big Four" and tell their own story of decline.

Just 12 months ago the Swiss great, now aged 32, was back at the top of the world rankings after winning his seventh Wimbledon crown.

But this year has been sobering for the 17- time Grand Slam champion, who saw his incredible record of 36 consecutive Grand Slam quarter- finals ended abruptly in the second round at Wimbledon, before an early exit at the US Open.

Thursday's third round defeat at the Shanghai Masters for the world number seven -- at the hands of flamboyant Frenchman Gael Monfils -- was in some ways notable for its lack of shock value.

Expectations have waned. There is no longer the confidence that Federer, who has amassed 77 titles and nearly $80 million in prize money, will dig deep and produce the magic when he needs it most.

The player himself remains sanguine about his drop down the rankings, as the "Big Four" shrinks to a "Big Three" of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray -- yet he insists he can turn his form around.

Following his defeat to Monfils, ranked 42nd in the world, Federer, with just one title to his name this year, spoke about his hopes for a strong end to the season.

He refused to punish himself even though he is in serious danger of missing out on next month's eightman, end-of-season World Tour Finals, which he has won a record six times.

"It's pretty simple -- you just keep on working hard, make sure that you get back on winning ways, then you become confident again, sort of get there," he said.

"It's just important not to worry too much, to be honest," he added. " It's important to keep on doing what I'm doing. Obviously, I might get tougher draws as we move along with my ranking not being in the top four any more. But that's OK."

Djokovic, while acknowledging that the Swiss has not played his best tennis over the past year, is wary of writing him off.

"He's Federer. He's the top Grand Slam winner in history. Whenever he plays, wherever he plays, he's always in the spotlight, he's always the man to beat," said the Serb.

"This is fact, and it's going to stay that way as long as he's going to play tennis."