Symbolic.
Hubert Hurkacz, last opponent and last executioner of Roger Federer before his relapse (that of too much?) Has just kicked the Swiss out of the world top 10 for the first time in five years.
The absence of the Swiss at Indian Wells cost him 480 points, which, combined in particular with the journey in California (eliminated in the quarter-finals) of the Pole, now 10th in the world, dropped him from 9th to 11th place in the ATP ranking.
He is now also ahead of the Norwegian Casper Ruud, 9th in the world.
Times are tough for tennis.
The Swiss champion, after an almost white year 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and two right knee operations, had made his return to competition in the spring.
But after 13 games played, including a quarter-final at Wimbledon, he ended his season after his trip to London, because of a recurrence of his pain in his right knee.
Monfils leader among the French
This prolonged absence from the courts has slowly dragged him down to the world rankings, where he was still in 5th place at the start of the year.
Place now occupied by Rafael Nadal, who won him a place without playing.
The good life for Rafa, also recovering.
Novak Djokovic remains number one ahead of Medvedev, Tsitsipas and Zverev.
Gael Monfils is the first French (19th).
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"The worst is behind me", wants to believe Roger Federer after his 3rd knee operation
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