King Roger steps off the throne

This time last year it was unimaginable. He'd just won one of the greatest Wimbledon finals in a five setter and still had a good handle on the improving youngster who took him that far. We looked at it then

 

It looks like the reign of Roger Federer as the worlds No.1 player is over, for now. He's had a disastrous year by his standards. Normally he only loses the French Open final, this year he hasn't even won a grandslam yet.

 

He lost in the third round to Croatia's Ivo Karlovic despite holding all service games. If Nadal wins the tournament, then the 235 week run at the top is over. He's still young 26 and to be honest should have a longer career than 22 year old Nadal, who's body has to breakdown the way he plays.

 

Of course the Olympic Games and US Open are ideal places to bounce back from, but it's going to be really interesting to see if this is a blip in form or a genuine handover.

Don't forget about Australian Open champion Djokavic throwing a spanner in the works too. Rafa has to get past him in the tournament first.

 

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