Denis Shapovalov Feels the Next-Gen will Dethrone the Big-Three

Arising star Denis Shapovalov feels that a transition is in order and the next-generation players will replace the ‘Big Three’ – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic sooner or later.

The top three players ranked in the ATP rankings – Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer have shared the last 12 Grand Slam titles among themselves and have won 54 major titles combined in the past decade and a half. However, the 20-year-old Canadian believes that the young-generation will dethrone the ‘Big Three’.

“I’m sure that next season there are going to be a lot of upsets,” Denis Shapovalov said in Stockholm. “Obviously the Big Three, they’re still playing really well. But I think sooner or later, we’re going to dethrone them. So we’ve just got to stay patient.”

Denis Shapovalov claimed his maiden ATP tour title at the Intrum Stockholm Open 2019 on Saturday. He also qualified for the Next Gen ATP Finals in November, for the third straight year. On the other hand, his fellow mates, Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas will make their debut at the ATP Finals, this year.

Shapovalov praised Medvedev for his dream run at the summer hardcourt season in the USA. He also commended Stefanos Tsitsipas, Frances Tiafoe, and Alexander Zverev for playing consistently good tennis at the top.

“I think slowly the players are starting to rise through the ATP Rankings. Medvedev’s really made a push the past couple of months. I’m sure a lot of players are following. There are so many talented guys. There’s Frances, there’s Tsitsipas playing well, of course always Zverev,” Shapovalov added.

Denis Shapovalov defeated Serbia’s Filip Krajinovic 6-4, 6-4 for his maiden title at the Stockholm Open 2019. With this victory in Stockholm, the Canadian will return to the Top 30 in the ATP Rankings for the first time since July.