‘Not worried about the future of tennis, I’m just nostalgic that we will lose the Big-Three soon,’ says Alex Corretja

‘Not worried about the future of tennis, I’m just nostalgic that we will lose the Big-Three soon,’ says Alex Corretja

Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal

Former World No.2 Alex Corretja expresses concern that once the golden era of the Big-Three in tennis comes to a close, there will be a vacuum in the sport. Although the Spaniard isn’t worried about the quality of tennis, he questioned whether the next generation can bring in the same aura like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

“We’ve had in the past [Bjorn] Borg, [John] McEnroe, then we had [Ivan] Lendl, [Mats] Wilander, then [Pete] Sampras and [Andre] Agassi then we wondered what would happen but some others come,” Corretja told Eurosport.

“I’m not worried about the future of tennis, I’m just nostalgic that we are losing or about to lose some of the most relevant players in history,” the Spaniard further added.

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The former two-time French Open finalist also shared his views on the upcoming US Open. While World No.1 Novak Djokovic is the favourite, Corretja believes that Russia’s Daniil Medvedev and Tokyo gold medalist, Alexander Zverev will present the biggest threat to the Serbian superstar.

“I think both Alex and Daniil Medvedev will be the toughest guys to beat for Novak Djokovic, for sure. I think Sascha is now convinced that he can win the big titles. Before, I think he felt he was a very good player, but I think he still felt there was something missing. Now he has got more experience, he is more relaxed with himself, he is more calm. He is controlling his emotions more.”

Zverev can win a Grand Slam

Alexander Zverev
Alexander Zverev

The former clay court specialist Corretja concluded by pinning strong hopes on Zverev and remarked that winning the gold medal would have upped the German’s belief and confidence.

“I think he is ready to win a Slam, last year he was very close but now I see that he thinks he is convinced he can do it. Winning a gold gave him so much confidence but winning in Cincinnati proved that he is more mature right now. I’m not sure he will win in New York, but I really believe he won’t just win one major, he will win many more.”

The final Grand Slam of the year starts on August 30, in New York.

Also read: US Open 2021:’The courts are faster this year,’ reckons Novak Djokovic