David Nalbandian takes challengers of the "Big three" to duty
David Nalbandian has made the young players on the ATP tour responsible. If the Argentine has their way, they have to start believing in themselves to close the gap with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Feb 26, 2021, 08:19 pm
Daniil Medvedev recently had a great run on the tour, but in the final of the Australian Open he clearly had to bow to nine-time winner Djokovic. The Serb collected his 18th Grand Slam title in Melbourne.
Nalbandian said in an interview on the ATP homepage that Medvedev's triumph at the ATP Finals last November should be a sign: Anything is possible for the rest of the tour.
"That showed that they are beatable," said the former number three in the world. "They are incredible players, but not superheroes. The new generation has to start believing in themselves."
Djokovic's win at the Australian Open means that 15 of the last 16 Grand Slams have been won by members of the big three. Dominic Thiem won the title at the US Open, Nadal and Federer were missing from the tournament and Djokovic was disqualified.
Nalbandian, who was in the final at Wimbledon in 2002, defeated Federer Nadal and Djokovic in consecutive matches to win the 2007 Masters. "Most players think they can just wait for the big three to step down," said Nalbandian, recently appointed coach of number 41 Miomir Kecmanovic.
"It's amazing how they have adjusted to the new players and their ages as they got older. They're still at it, focused and ready to move on. That's why there are only three players who can are capable. The others can't do it. Nobody. "