Nadal Slips Outside Top Four

Eleven-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal has fallen outside the top four world rankings for the first time in eight years.

The Spaniard hasn’t played since June due to a knee injury and has slipped outside the top four with compatriot David Ferrer replacing him.

Ferrer made it through to the semifinals of the Australian Open where he was easily brushed aside by eventual winner Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

Nadal, who was last outside the top four before the first of his 11 major titles, is expected to return to competitive tennis next week in Chile.

Meanwhile in the women’s rankings, Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka remains number one, while Serena Williams leapfrogs Maria Sharapova into second despite her quarter-final exit to Sloane Stephens who is up to 17th.

Beaten finalists Li Na moves into fifth, while Caroline Wozniacki continues her slide down to 11th.