MANILA, Philippines — Novak Djokovic dropped from No. 5 to No. 12 in the latest ATP rankings Monday, leaving the men’s top 10 without a member of tennis’ Big Three for the first time since October 2002.
Djokovic, 39, remained the last active player from the trio that includes Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Federer retired in 2022 at 41, while Nadal retired in 2024 at 38.
Djokovic lost in the first round of the US Open to Mariano Navone, marking his earliest Grand Slam exit since the 2006 Australian Open and his first opening-round loss at the US Open.
“I’ve been very proud of all the achievements in the past, but now is now,” Djokovic said after the defeat in New York.
Djokovic owns 24 Grand Slam titles, two more than Nadal’s 22 and four more than Federer’s 20.
Big Three dominated rankings for decades
Federer first entered the ATP top 10 in October 2002 and stayed there through the end of 2016. He also spent a record 237 weeks at No. 1.
Nadal entered the top 10 in April 2005 at age 18 and remained there for a record 912 consecutive weeks until 2023.
Djokovic became the last of the Big Three to enter the top 10 in 2007. He has spent a record 428 weeks at No. 1.
Lleyton Hewitt held the No. 1 ranking in October 2002. More than two decades later, his 17-year-old son, Cruz Hewitt, has begun his professional career.
Rybakina takes No. 1 ranking
The women’s rankings also changed after the US Open, with Elena Rybakina moving to No. 1 after winning the tournament.
Rybakina won two Grand Slam titles this year, taking the Australian Open and US Open crowns. Her victory in New York ended Aryna Sabalenka’s 99-week run at No. 1.
Sabalenka praised Rybakina’s serve after the US Open final, where the Kazakh player hit 12 aces.