The sports world looked very different the last time Novak Djokovic was in this kind of ranking spot.
Novak Djokovic is often called one of the greatest tennis players ever, but his recent drop in rankings shows that a big chapter in tennis might be closing. On Monday, August 31, Djokovic got emotional after losing to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in the first round of the US Open. This was the first time since 2006 that the 39-year-old lost so early in a Grand Slam, making it clear that age might be catching up with him.
While Djokovic faced disappointment at the US Open, Alexander Zverev had a great time as he won his second major title of 2026 by beating Ben Shelton in Sunday’s final. Zverev showed amazing skill at Flushing Meadows, proving why many believe he’s one of the best players right now.
For a long time, that title belonged to Djokovic, but his 24 Grand Slam wins feel a bit far away compared to his prime. His drop from 5th to 12th in the latest rankings on Monday means he’s out of the ATP top 10 for the first time in nearly eight years.
It’s also the first time since October 2002 that none of the legendary “Big Three”—Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer—are in the top 10. That’s a huge moment that shows how much these three have dominated the sport for so long. Back in 2002, Lleyton Hewitt was world No. 1, and now his 17-year-old son Cruz Hewitt is starting his own tennis career.
Together, Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal have won an incredible 66 Grand Slam singles titles and shaped a golden age of tennis that might not come back anytime soon. Having at least one of them in the top 10 for 24 years shows how strong and long-lasting their careers have been. Djokovic is still chasing the goal of becoming the oldest player to win a Grand Slam.
It’s interesting to remember how different the sports world was the last time the “Big Three” weren’t in the top 10. Cristiano Ronaldo was just starting out at Sporting Lisbon before moving to Manchester United in 2003. Lionel Messi was a teenager playing in Barcelona’s youth academy. In the Premier League, Liverpool led the table, while Manchester City struggled near the bottom. And in Formula 1, Michael Schumacher had just matched a great record with his fifth championship.
These changes remind us how much time has passed and how legends like Djokovic have left a huge mark on tennis history.