Roger Federer drops out of top 50 in ATP rankings for the first time since 2000

Tennis superstar Roger Federer has dropped out of the top 50 of the ATP men's rankings, which were updated on Monday. The 20-time Grand Slam champion hasn't played since Wimbledon last year, and as a result of that his ranking has been steadily falling.

Roger Federer re-injured his knee at SW19 last year and has been out of action ever since. Even before his comeback in Doha last year, the Swiss maestro spent a significant period on the sidelines due to this knee injury.

Federer is ranked 68th in the world at the moment. He lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime at Halle last year ahead of Wimbledon, meaning he is set to lose more points after the conclusion of this year's event.

The overall look of the men's rankings has changed quite a bit since the end of the French Open. Novak Djokovic is no longer the World No. 1, as Daniil Medvedev occupies the summit position now. Alexander Zverev has moved to a career-high of World No. 2, while Djokovic has dropped two places to third.

Rafael Nadal is hot on the Serb's heels after winning the first two Majors of the year, and is currently fourth with 6,525 points to his name.

More changes will take place in the coming weeks as the Championships will not be carrying points this year. After Wimbledon banned Russian and Belarusian players from competing in the 2022 edition, ATP and WTA retaliated by stripping the Grand Slam of its ranking points.

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Roger Federer is expected to return to action later this year

Federer with Andy Roddick Laver Cup 2021 - Day 2

Roger Federer's return to action is very much on the horizon. The Swiss maestro has announced his decision to play at the 2022 Swiss Indoors in October using a protected ranking.

The Basel event was last held in 2019, when Federer emerged victorious for the 10th time.

Federer has also confirmed his participation at the Laver Cup in September.

During the Swiss' absence from the tour, his eternal rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have continued to amass Grand Slam titles. Nadal has moved two clear of Federer at 22, while the Serb has drawn level with Federer at 20 Majors.

The 40-year-old has been sporadically active on social media, teasing his recovery from a knee injury by posting Instagram videos. Federer has also conducted interviews with news outlets, where he has suggested that he isn't ready to retire just yet and that a 2023 calendar is on the cards.