“Nobody Disputes That”: Alexander Zverev on Dominance of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic in Tennis

World No.6 Alexander Zverev has now reached the fourth round of French Open 2021 after a troublesome start to the Grand Slam. However, the big 3 of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic has had a smooth sailing till now at Roland Garros and the German is well aware of that.

After his third-round victory over Laslo Dere, Zverev talked about the “big 3” and that he is pleased to have Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal still playing despite them being tough roadblocks.

“It’s great that they’re still on the tour. I think all the fans or players are happy that they continue to play. I think players like Alcaraz and Sinner are the next generation.”

Alexander Zverev calls the next-gen ‘game-changers against Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

Moreover, Zverev emphasized that other people other than the big 3 are winning major trophies. Hubert Hurkacz won Miami, Stefanos Tsitsipas won Monte Carlo and Zverev himself won Madrid Open. The first three ATP Masters 1000 went to the next-gen and hence he believes the next-gen could soon challenge the Grand Slams despite the ‘big 3’ dominance.

“This year there have been four Masters, three were won by my generation: Tsitsipas, Hurkacz, and I. Rafa won in Rome. So young people are winning titles, but not yet Grand Slam titles. I think it’s up to us to be a game-changers in tennis. We have to live up to the Grand Slams. But for now, it’s true that these players are still the best. Nobody disputes that.” 

(Quotes have been translated via Google Translate)

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So far at French Open 2021, the next-gen charge has continued. The draw has brought the big 3 of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer on one side. Hence the likes of Zverev, Medvedev, Thiem, and Tsitsipas were on the other side. But Thiem was the first to disappoint as he was ousted in the first round itself.

Moreover, Andrey Rublev was supposed to give a tough fight to Nadal as they were going to face each other in the quarterfinals according to the seeds. However, Rublev was also ousted in the first round. Zverev, Tsitsipas, and Medvedev are now looking good, and one of them might reach the finals. Let’s see if they can challenge the mighty at Roland Garros.

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