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Roger Federer crashes out of Shanghai Masters after losing world No.2 ranking to Novak Djokovic

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Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts after a point against Borna Coric of Croatia in their men's singles semi-final match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament on October 13, 2018. (Photo by Johannes EISELE / AFP)JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images — Roger Federer was beaten in straight sets by Berna Coric (Picture: AFP)

Roger Federer slumped to a surprise defeat against Borna Coric in the semi finals of the Shanghai Masters.

The Swiss relinquished his position as world No.2 earlier on Saturday following Novak Djokovics masterclass against Alexander Zverev, and a miserable day was compounded by a 6-4 6-4 straight sets loss against the 21-year-old Croatian.

Coric broke in the opening game of the match to get off to an ideal start and rarely looked in any danger on his own serve, until he was forced to close out the match having broken Federer again early in the second set.

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Federer was unable to find an answer, however, as Coric served out the match in impressive style to reach his first Masters Series final.

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Its the best Ive ever seen him play, there were no lapses in concentration, h e struck the ball beautifully and there wasnt much Federer could do, said former British No.1 Greg Rusedski afterward.

Federer looked a little bit slow but you have to give a lot of credit to what Coric did tactically. There were no weaknesses present.

The Australian Open champion wasnt at the races and certainly appeared to be struggling with his movement following Fridays hard fought win over Kei Nishikori.

Borna Coric recorded his second career win over Roger Federer (Picture: Getty)

I think weve all learned not to write Federer off. I did that three seasons ago and he surprised everyone, added Annabel Croft.

It is the end of the season, he probably is mentally fatigued theres the 02 coming but we mustnt write him off because of the way he plays.

He has so much shot selection at his disposal and plays a bit differently to the other guys with his open attacking style, trying to keep points short.

He had three games against baseliners but today I thought hed play the same but it wasnt there – there was so much pressure on him from Coric and that can also bring about a sub-par performance.