THE LOW DOWN: Federer is solid No. 3 in Rafa's mind

With all of Roger Federer's recent struggles (not decline, I don't think), even Rafael Nadal thinks someone else is the No. 1 player right now: Novak Djokovic. In an interview after his 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 win over James Blake, his second in a row over his American nemesis, the Spaniard said,

I think Djokovic is the No. 1 right now [...] He's a very good player. I am No. 2, so my position doesn't change. And Federer, he's not far away from the top. Roddick is still there, too, so for me not much changes.

So I guess that makes Fed a solid No. 3 in his mind? Sorry Rafa, but I would put you there before Fed. But I agree, Nole has been playing like the world's top-ranked baller for sure.

*VIA DOWNTHELINETENNIS.COM

(image via AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)