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The “lost four” have all slipped: What’s next?

By Keshav Gopalan

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 31: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France goes to the net after victory in his Men's Singles match against Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic on day eight of the 2015 French Open at Roland Garros on May 31, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 31: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France goes to the net after victory in his Men's Singles match against Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic on day eight of the 2015 French Open at Roland Garros on May 31, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Everyone is aware of the big four, but few are aware of the lost 4; the group of four who’ve had the potential to win slams, but have always fallen short. With all of them out due to injury, we take a look at what could come next for them.

The lost four includes Tomas Berdych, David Ferrer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils. The first three names mentioned in the list have all reached a grand slam final each, except Monfils who’s reached 2 semi-finals.

Slip in rankings

All four players have slipped down the rankings, with Tomas Berdych being the latest victim, having withdrawn from Wimbledon due to a back injury which subsequently led to him dropping out of the top 20 for the first time in close to a decade and currently hovering around the 60s.

Berdych has also withdrawn from all hardcourt tournaments till September, including the US Open. Meanwhile, David Ferrer dropped out of the top 50 after more than a decade, losing in his second match in Bastad, hence losing his title defence and eventually, his top 50 ranking.

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Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has been out of action since his match in Open Sud De France against Lucas Pouille, injuring his knee which ultimately needed a surgery. He got married just a few days ago and is in the entry list of the US Open, so we can hope for him to return.

Monfils, on the other hand, hasn’t been the same player since his Achilles injury in Indian Wells last year, slipping from a career high of 6 achieved in 2016 to hovering in the 30s since.

What’s next?

While Monfils had a great run at the Championships in London, he’s been unable to replicate that form in the past week. Even if it’s a problem of transitioning from grass to clay, Monfils hasn’t traditionally been a player who’s played consistently. All four players, except perhaps Ferrer, have had major injuries derail them for extended periods of time.

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With the clock ticking on all four, especially in the case of David Ferrer, who’s 36, it seems very unlikely for them to make a big comeback. Perhaps a decent run for a few (especially Monfils, the youngest of the four) might be possible, but it’s more likely that all four retire in the coming couple of years.

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