Novak Djokovic: "Rafa, Roger and I are the NextGen"
The attack by the much-cited NextGen is repeatedly fought off by the "old guys" around Novak Djokovic (33) and Rafael Nadal (34). "We are the NextGen," joked Djokovic after the Rome final.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit:
May 18, 2021, 07:35 am
For years you have heard it now, the predictions: "Now it is finally in sight, the changing of the guard!" - "This year one of the boys will win a Grand Slam title!" - "The dominance of the Big 3 is slowly coming to an end!"
Puff cake. At least almost. Yes, NextGen knocks, every now and then wins a match against the Big 3, most recently a Grand Slam tournament with Dominic Thiem in New York. Where Federer and Nadal were missing and Djokovic had been disqualified, how bad tongues would now add.
The fact is, however, that there is hardly a way around Djokovic and Nadal at the moment. The best example: Rome. Since 2005, at least Nadal or Djokovic have always been in the finals, the two won 15 of 17 finals - Nadal 10, Djokovic 5, only Andy Murray (2016) and Alexander Zverev (2017) were able to slip in.
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Djokovic: "NextGen reinvented"
And also in this edition, Nadal and Djokovic rummaged through - and offered a high-class final. The chances of seeing you again in Paris? Are pretty good.
Djokovic also gave the talk about the changing of the guard a little nudge. "Rafa, me and Roger have reinvented the NextGen. We are the NextGen," he spoke in the finest Italian, which amused Rafa Nadal, who was sitting on the bench.
Djokovic: "NextGen is here, it is coming, whatever"
The topic was also discussed in the subsequent press conference. Isn't he, Djokovic, slowly getting tired of being asked about the NextGen? "Yes," said Djokovic with a grin, "that's why I gave this answer."
He has said it a thousand times, he doesn't know how many people have asked him to repeat it. "Of course the NextGen is there, or it is coming, or whatever. But we still win the biggest tournaments and Grand Slams. I don't know how to put it another way."
Of course, the NextGen is there, the players have established themselves in the top 5 or top 10. "Nothing new," said the Djoker. "But we're still there."
And: completely again from Tuesday afternoon. Because then the "youngest" member of the "NextGen" referred to by Djokovic attacks again: Roger Federer, with a slim 39-year-old, then makes his comeback in Geneva.