Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 21: (L-R) Andy Murray of Great Britain, Novak Djokovic of Siberia, Roger Federer of Switzerland and Rafael Nadal of Spain attend a ceremony for Carlos Moya’s retirement during the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at O2 Arena on November 21, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 21: (L-R) Andy Murray of Great Britain, Novak Djokovic of Siberia, Roger Federer of Switzerland and Rafael Nadal of Spain attend a ceremony for Carlos Moya’s retirement during the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at O2 Arena on November 21, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 29, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Kei Nishikori of Japan (R) hits a volley against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece (L) in the fourth round in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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.”
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 31, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Jannik Sinner of Italy hits a backhand against Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan (not pictured) in a men’s singles quarterfinal in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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.
Getty
Novak Djokovic of Serbia, Rafael Nadal of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerlan wait to go on stage during the ATP Heritage Celebration at The Waldorf=Astoria on in New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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
