There is a persistent debate in the tennis world over which next-gen player will dominate the Big-3(Nadal, Djokovic, Federer), especially at grand slams.

Even though the youngsters managed to stun Nadal or Djokovic at several Masters 1000 tournaments, they failed to recreate the same when it comes to majors.

Both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are still winning grand slams, despite pressure from next-gen talents like Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, etc. When it comes to big matches at major tournaments, the youngsters fumble to sustain momentum and allowed either Nadal or Djokovic to claim the title.

Also read: Serena Williams and Coach Patrick Mouratoglou Watch Coco Gauff Practice at Italian Open 2021

While it looks nearly difficult for the next-gen to outpower the Big-3, Serena Williams‘ coach Patrick Mouratoglou feels that the younger generation players stand a good chance of winning grand slams very soon.

“Rafa and Novak are still at the top of the game” – Patrick Mouratoglou

Speaking before the start of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown at his academy, the French coach pointed out the fact the next-gen players are yet to take over from the Big-3.

“The Next Generation has not taken over yet, despite a lot of comments saying that they have. Every time I am interviewed, I say ‘no'”, said Mouratoglou.

Mouratoglou also mentioned how Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are still at the top of their games, and they don’t appear to be losing grand slam finals to the youngsters any time soon.

“Rafa and Novak are still at the top of the game. Very clearly, Novak is less interested in every tournament that is not a Grand Slam and his results show, but when he comes to the Grand Slams he is always there and it’s the same with Rafa”, added the French coach.

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Mouratoglou feels that the Next Gen are closing their gap on the Big-3

But, Mouratoglou also mentioned that the gap between the Big-3 and next-gen is getting closer. He also expressed his wish to see a next-gen player winning a grand slam title soon.

“For the moment, we can’t say that the Next Gen are taking over. They’re getting closer and closer, that’s for sure. Is the margin as big as before? Definitely not. The margin is getting smaller and smaller but I want to see a new generation guy win a Grand Slam, defeating them, which still hasn’t happened yet”, concluded Patrick Mouratoglou.

While there is huge pressure on next-gen players to dethrone the Big-3 at every grand slam event, let’s not forget that they are playing against three of the best players the sport has ever produced. To defeat not one but two of them at a major is a mammoth task.

But, players like Daniil Medvedev, Dominic Thiem, and Stefanos Tsitsipas offer hope for the upcoming generation of players as they dominated the Big-3 on several instances on the ATP tour.

Also read: Serena Williams’ Coach Patrick Mouratoglou Elaborately Explains Why Daniil Medvedev Has the Most Unusual Forehand in Tennis