Miami Open 2021 Tournament Director Excited To See Next-Gen Stepping Up in Absence of Roger Federer, Nadal and Djokovic

The tennis world has been entertained by the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic for years. These three legends have carried the burden of the sport for over a decade. Besides the big three, even British tennis star Andy Murray has contributed towards the sport to a great extent. 

At the moment, the Miami Open 2021 is underway and the absence of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic has given a chance for the younger players to grab the opportunity to win big at the tournament.

Next-generation players have the opportunity to step up in absence of the big three

Recently, tournament director, James Blake, spoke about the nonappearance of the big three and felt that it was a great opportunity for the next generation of players to make the most of the situation. 

Blake stated, “It’s exciting because, on the men’s side, it’s been dominated for so long by Novak, Rafa, Roger, and Andy Murray. They’ve really dominated the sport for so long… Without any of them here, we’ve got the new kids that are arriving.”

Roger Federer is the defending champion, but Miami will have a new champion this year

James noted the fact that Novak, Roger, and Rafa have been at the top for so long. He vouched for younger talents like Jannik Sinner and Sebastian Korda, who have been making headlines at the Miami Open 2021. 

The 41-year-old former American player added, “To see who’s going to step up and who’s going to make their mark. We’ve got some really young players like Sinner and Korda, that’s exciting and who’s going to be the one to take over that mantle that Roger and Rafa and Novak have held for so long.”

The Miami final will be played between Jannik Sinner and Hubert Hurkacz. Both players will be playing a Masters 1000 event final for the first time, and Jannik is the first teenager to reach the final in Miami after Novak Djokovic. 

However, things are different in Miami this season. Due to the effects of the coronavirus, officials decided not to accommodate many spectators, and the players have even had to live in a bubble. Given these adverse circumstances, it will be interesting to see who crosses the final hurdle between the two youngsters. 

Also Read: “Home Is Where Your Heart Is”: Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils Reunite After a Break