Tongues have been wagging for a while in the world of tennis regarding the future of the game after the end of the era of “ The Big Three”: Djokovic, Federer and Nadal. There are talks doing the rounds that once the trio exits the game there are not many who can take the legacy of the game forward. Coming to the celebrated trinity in tennis, it is almost clear that Federer is gradually walking into the sunset and Nadal with constant injuries won’t be around for too long. As for Djokovic, the Serb will be around for some more time but without the “other two” in the exclusive club, his insatiable thirst to excel will weaken. Hence, the million-dollar question is: Are there any players who can give tough competition to Djokovic and recreate the golden era of yore in tennis. So, let us look at some promising youngsters with immense potential to take over from “the Big Three” in tennis.
Daniil Medvedev
Currently ranked number 2 in the Association of Tennis Professionals’ (ATP) rankings, the Russian has all the qualities to be another GOAT. Daniil is currently perceived as the villain by the hardcore Djokovic supporters, as the Russian denied the Serb the chance to achieve a few glories in the recently concluded US Open. His game is based on long baseline rallies, thanks to his long, low bouncing and incisive groundstrokes. Medvedev has the calibre to take shot up the line with full pace and exchange cross court and slice with precision. So, this Russian has the propensity to regale the crowds in ways that created the halo around the famous trio if he maintains the current tempo.
Dominic Thiem
The Austrian has a forehand to die for and when Thiem executes the same it brings back the memories of the days of legendary Ivan Lendl or the prolific Federer. He is positioned number eight at present in the ATP rankings and the credit for the same must be accorded to Gunter Bresnik, a renowned tennis coach, who had been his mentor since the age of nine. Currently, Thiem is considered one of the finest clay court players. His moment of glory came in 2018 when he stunned Fedex in the Indian Wells to claim the title. Hence, the Austrian has the talent to shine in an era devoid of “The Big Three”.
Alexander Zverev
The number 4 in ATP rankings, Alexander Zverev has been making a lot of heads turn for the last few years. The German has already to his credit 17 ATP titles in singles and two in doubles. He has the potential to derive a lot of power through his backhand and forehand. His backhand is considered as effective as that of Federer and Pete Sampras. Sitting in the top 10 of the rankings since 2017, the German has the much-needed ammunition to rule the courts going forward.
Stefanos Tsitsipas
The Greek has already made his presence felt in the Men’s Single category. He has an aura of a gifted player and his mother used to be a permanent fixture on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour and father a reputed tennis coach. The Greek also attained the numero uno position in the world junior group. With a strong forehand, Tsitsipas is one of the best baseline players who can produce shock-inducing groundstroke winners. The young Greek came into prominence when he beat Federer at the 2018 Australian Open and he looks set for more accomplishments on tennis courts in the future.
Matteo Berrettini
This young Italian is another player who can go the distance in the professional circuit. After making his debut in the 2018 Australian Open, Berrettini has made brisk progress by attaining the seventh position in the ATP rankings. He perfectly mixes his serve and robust forehand in his game of play and can upstage anyone on his day. The Italian made it to the final of the Wimbledon in 2021, where he gave Djokovic a run for the money before going down to the Serbian. Berrettini also reached the semi-final of the US Open but lost to a formidable Rafa. So, he has already provided enough glimpses of his abilities to drive home the point that he can be a force to reckon with in the future.
