End of the Fab Three era as Federer leaves Top 10 and Djokovic faces new challenges

May 20, 2002 marked the start of an era when Roger Federer entered the Top 10 after winning his first Masters 1000 in Hamburg. The recent ATP ranking release closes that chapter, with Federer no longer in the Top 10 and Novak Djokovic slipping to No. 12, effectively ending the "Fab Three" dominance that lasted 24 years. Although injuries have occasionally removed Nadal or Djokovic from the top spots, at least one of the trio always remained.

The US Open was won by Alexander Zverev, who celebrated his first two Grand Slam titles after a 29-year wait for such achievements. Zverev modestly noted his effort, saying he had to work hard to reach the top. He also acknowledged the emerging talent of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who are currently sidelined or just back on tour, suggesting the next generation will shape the sport’s future.