Roger Federer misses chance of reclaiming world No. 2 spot after shocking defeat from Ramos-Vinolas

Roger Federer’s stunning defeat in the second round of the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday against Spanish qualifier Albert Ramos-Vinolas could mean more than just an upset. Federer, who was jumped over by Andy Murray in the ATP World rankings, puts in jeopardy his chance to finish as year-end world No. 2 behind 10-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic.

For the second time this season, Federer lost his opening match at a Masters Event. Ramos-Vinolas, stunned the tennis world after defeating the Swiss Maestro 7-6(4) 2-6 6-3 at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, claiming the biggest win of his career. The defeat not only disabled Federer to defend his title at the Shanghai Masters, but also puts the 34-year-old Swiss behind Djokovic and Murray in the world rankings.

According to ATP World Tour’s official website , Federer (8,420 points) is 220 points behind Murray (8,640 points) in the latest world rankings. The Swiss could be in further trouble of completely losing his place behind Djokovic when Murray gets the chance to stretch his lead even further as he faces world No. 47 Steve Johnson in the second round of the Masters tournament.

ESPN ’s Peter Bodo noted that Federer would need to maximize the points he earns in at every big tournament to keep his ranking high and regain his position as world No. 2. “Federer is playing a limited schedule now, which is one of the main reasons he's able to play like a 25-year-old despite being 34,” Bodo wrote. “But in order to do that, Federer needs to maximize his points at every big event, thereby keeping his ranking -- and seeding -- high.”

Ramos-Vinolas is the lowest-ranked player to defeat Federer since July 2013, when Argentine Federico Delbonis stunned the Swiss international at the Hamburg semifinals. The Spaniard took the first set from Federer, before clinching the decider to grab his first Top 10 win slip.

“He's [Ramos-Vinolas] definitely improved since then [Wimbledon 2012],” Federer said, reports ATP World Tour’s website . “I was aware that he could give me a tough workout and even beat me.”

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