Roger Federer Continues Slide, Down To No. 4 In World Rankings

Federer is down to No. 4, having switched spots with Andy Murray in rankings released today by the Assn. of Tennis Professionals, the world governing body for men’s tennis.

Djokovic Novac retains his No. 1 ranking from the ATP, following a season in which he won the U.S. Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Rafael Nadal, who lost to Novak in the U.S. Open final, remains at No. 2. David Ferrer is No. 5 in the just-released ATP rankings.

The 30-year-old Federer reached No. 1 in 2004 and set a record by holding the position for 287 weeks overall and 237 consecutive weeks. Although he reached two grand slam finals in 2011 – the Australian and U.S. Opens – he has not won a grand slam event since the 2010 Australian Open, his longest such drought since 2003.

Federer has not been ranked lower than No. 3 in eight years.

Despite the fact that she is still looking for grand slam title No. 1, Caroline Wozniacki remains the No. 1 ranked woman in the world in the list released today by the Women’s Tennis Assn.

Maria Sharapova, who has played well but has not won a grand slam title since 2008, remains second in the world.

Behind her are No. 3 Victoria Azarenka, No. 4  Petra Kvitova, No. 5 Vera Zvonareva and No. 6 Samantha Stosur, who won the 2011 U.S. Open in September.

Serena Williams is the top ranked U.S. woman in the world at No. 14.