Rafael Nadal’s forthcoming retirement has brought tension through the tennis world. With Roger Federer stepping away two years ago and Novak Djokovic left as the last of the Big Three still competing an important question appears: What happens to tennis once Djokovic also bids farewell? Roger Federer’s former coach, Stefan Edberg, has stepped in with a compelling perspective. Drawing from his experience, Edberg highlights the immense potential of rising stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, suggesting that the next generation is ready to take the throne.

Federer’s former coach and childhood hero, Stefan Edberg, recently shared an intriguing prediction about the future of professional tennis. Widely regarded as one of the best serve-and-volley players, Edberg mentored the Swiss maestro and brought significant technical changes to Federer’s game. He famously transitioned the former ATP number one to a larger racquet, moving from 90 to 97 square inches, a change that helped the Swiss player rediscover his lost pace. With the Swiss legend’s era behind and Rafael Nadal set to bid farewell at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, the tennis fraternity is narrowing its focus to Novak Djokovic, the last remaining member of the Big Three. Yet, Edberg doesn’t see this transition as a crisis for the sport. He has a promising vision for its future.

In an interview with a Serbian media outlet, Edberg stated, “It is clear that we already have a new generation, led by Sinner and Alcaraz, who are taking over the baton from Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. They are young, playing at a fascinating level.” His words highlighted the incredible milestones both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have achieved. Sinner clinched the 2024 Australian Open and the US Open, while Alcaraz triumphed at Wimbledon and Roland Garros in the same season. Their performances offer hope for a smooth transition, establishing them as worthy successors to the legendary Big Three.

Edberg elaborated further, saying, “They have already played a number of great matches. The fans like them, their rivalry is very strong and exciting to watch. They have already done a lot of things well so far.” His confidence in Sinner and Alcaraz is well-established. Sinner secured seven ATP singles titles this year, while Alcaraz claimed four. Despite their intense rivalry, the two share a mutual admiration, demonstrating a friendship amid on-court rivalry.

However, this is not the Swede coach’s first prominent admiration for Jannik Sinner. Interestingly, Edberg has previously hailed Sinner as his favorite player. While sharing his pick for the ATP Tour Finals this year, he expressed his liking for the Italian’s brilliance, cementing his belief that the next era of tennis is in capable hands.

Stefan Edberg called Jannik Sinner “one of the favourites” in tennis

Sign up to Break Point

Get quick-hit tennis updates, underdog stories, and Grand Slam highlights right in your inbox.

Edberg, the 1989 ATP Finals champion, recently shared his insights with Sky Sports, discussing his favorite player for this season’s finals in Turin. When asked to pick between Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner, Edberg leaned toward Sinner but also acknowledged Zverev’s remarkable talent. “I would say he’s [Sinner] one of the favorites. Zverev has been impressive; you can’t count him out. But I would pick one of the two, with Sinner being the small favorite out of the two,” Edberg said.

Commenting on Sinner’s ranking progress, the veteran coach admired the ATP number one’s steady rise. “It has been incredible, the progress he has had over the last two years. There are still a few more matches to be played, but it’s really boiling in here. I was watching yesterday, and it’s really some place to be, especially when he plays,” he added, capturing the intense atmosphere surrounding Sinner’s matches in Turin.

Edberg’s optimism about Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz offers a glimpse into the promising future of professional tennis. With their dynamic playstyles and extraordinary talent, it’s easy to see why the Swedish legend held such confidence in them. As their rivalry continues to flourish, it feels inevitable that Edberg’s prediction will come true sooner—bringing in a new era of tennis led by fresh Big Three, with more competition and excitement in the sport.