France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga gives fans his autographs after defeating Japan's Kei Nishikori in the mens singles match of the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center in Shanghai, China, Thursday Oct 10, 2013. Tsonga won 7-6, 6-0. (AP Photo)
October 10, 2013 - 6:49 AM
SHANGHAI - Roger Federer slumped to another early loss, with Gael Monfils beating him 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-3 on Thursday in the third round of the Shanghai Masters.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Italian Fabio Fognini, while third-seeded David Ferrer of Spain was upset by Florian Mayer 6-4, 6-3.
Federer, who has slipped to No. 7 in the rankings, was playing for the first time since losing in the fourth round of the U.S. Open and was in need of a strong showing in Shanghai to secure his berth in the elite ATP Tour Finals — a tournament he hasn't missed since 2002.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion only has a slight lead over several other players vying to get into the eight-man field in London.
News from © The Associated Press, 2013