Novak Djokovic remains the only active player among the ‘Big 3’ to date. When Roger Federer hung his racket, the tennis community pinned their hopes on Rafael Nadal to hook to tennis. But Rafa was away due to injury. and then his compatriot made amends to the void left by Federer and Nadal. But how long can tennis fans remain ‘upset’ over Fedal? Has the time to move on from the iconic tennis duo arrived? A former American player and an ESPN analyst reviewed the current scenario of men’s tennis and answered the questions.
Carlos Alcaraz denied the Serb his 24th Slam at the Wimbledon Championships, and therefore, his Calender Slam. So, the former Top-20 player and the daughter of NBA’s Hall of Famer Julius Erving, stunned Fedal fans by sharing why Alcaraz is the next big thing.
American former player snubs Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
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Since the Swiss Maestro has retired and Rafael Nadal is planning his retirement, fans are having difficulty adjusting to the new turn of events. A sudden generational shift is a bitter reality for people who watched Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for over two decades. Fans could not even accept Djokovic when he started his professional journey. It is only natural that they are stuck in the ‘Fedal’ era.
Now, ex-professional Alexandra Stevenson commented on the importance of acknowledging the present generation. In a Spotify podcast, ‘Match Point Canada’, Dr. J’s daughter opined that tennis is more than Fedal, Andy Murray, and their game. Drawing Wimbledon and the US Open epitomes, she said, “I think Wimbledon and US Open this year showed that there?s more to – now Roger and Rafa and Andy Murray. I mean, Andy Murray is still playing, and he?s still exciting to watch, but there is more to men?s tennis to watch than those three.”
Talking about the US Open this year, Stevenson revealed how the tournament played a vital role in assessing ATP Players. She shared, “I feel like Alcaraz is leading the charge, obviously. And he has really invigorated the men?s game after people being upset that Roger and Rafa are not playing.”
But Murray also revealed in various press conferences and post-match interviews that he has a retirement date in mind. Only Djoker would remain from their era, and the Serbian legend has no plans to even think of the R-word, given his record-breaking spree. Though the former World N0. 18 declared the Serb as the dominating force, she revealed her best picks in men’s tennis.
Former Top-20 player warns to beware of six best players
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The 42-year-old disclosed six blooming ATP professionals with significant chances to win Grand Slams. Without hesitation, she included Djokovic and Alcaraz and selected the other 4, among which only one player owns a Slam. Stevenson analyzed that Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev have a vast potential to clinch the Slam glory.
Medvedev has one major title, and Rublev could only make eight Slam quarter-finals to date. The American also picked her compatriots, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, as rising ATP champions. Shelton is on a roll since his US Open semi-final feat and incredible Laver Cup performance.
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Tiafoe, on the other hand, is struggling to maintain a consistent form. But he has his fair share of achievements. Big Foe reached the semi-finals of the US Open 2022 by defeating Rafa in the 4th round. He also became the first Afro-American since Arthur Ashe to reach the semis of a Slam and emerge as a Top-10 player. Let us know who your best pick is in the comments!
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