Roger Federer To Continue His Descent from Totem Pole?

Roger Federer won his last major in January 2010 in Melbourne at the Australian Open.

The six majors that followed were divided among two bionic contestants, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

The Spaniard claimed four, the Serb two.

Has the Swiss truly fallen by the wayside?

Federer’s results since include a final at the 2011 French Open, three quarterfinals and two semis.

The maestro has won a Slam every single year since 2003.

This year’s US Open is his only chance at maintaining that record—a possibility that seems entirely unlikely.

Andy Murray has shown signs of breaking into the élite group of men to have claimed a major. But he is not there yet. The signs are encouraging but execution at crucial moments has come a cropper.

How has the Scot fared in comparison to his tormentor?

Murray made the finals at the Australian Open this year, his third appearance in a major final only to lose the plot against his "junior" rival, Novak Djokovic.

This was his second successive final appearance at Melbourne. He succumbed in 2010 to Federer.

His other 2010 major appearances were fourth- and third-round exits at Roland Garros and New York, respectively. Wimbledon 2010 showcased his talents till the semis.

Despite minor hiccups following his Melbourne final loss, Murray has justified his No. 4 ranking this year making the semis at the French Open and the Championship.

Roger Federer is apparently a rung above the Scot—in the rankings and in match play over the past six Slams.

That equation changes somewhat when you scan this year’s major results. Murray put on a better show but just—two semis and a final.

Federer has a semi, a final and a quarter to his name.

Is there a chance that the Swiss will soon find himself sliding further down the ATP rankings?

The hard-court season—more specifically, the US Open—holds the key.

What do you think is more likely, Federer losing his No. 3 ranking or Murray securing his first major?

The latter ensures the former. My money is on the Swiss hanging on to his No. 3 status.

Your thoughts?

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