Fernando Verdasco compares his potential career in absence of the Big-4
Fernando Verdasco believes chances are much brighter for the young players to win Grand Slams now than it was during The Big Four were at their prime.
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Fernando Verdasco and The Big Four
Fernando Verdasco began his tennis career at a time when The Big Four dominated the male tennis sport.He turned pro in 2001, however, and could not gain as much success as his contemporaries—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray—got during the same period.
In a recent interview with Italian sports publication UBI Tennis, he shared his feelings. He thinks that this may be the best time for the budding tennis players who are trying to make their mark in the sport.
Eminent sports journalist Mario Boccardi shared an excerpt of his interview with the publication on social media.
Fernando Verdasco: "If you ask me if I preferred to be #7 today or in 2009, my answer is today. Roger has retired, Murray is not at the same level and Rafa lives with injuries. I have the feeling that the #7 in a great tournament has real chances, in my time it was not possible." pic.twitter.com/vp560wpmtG
— Mario Boccardi (@marioboc17) February 9, 2023
“Fernando Verdasco: “If you ask me if I preferred to be #7 today or in 2009, my answer is today. Roger has retired, Murray is not at the same level and Rafa lives with injuries. I have the feeling that the #7 in a great tournament has real chances, in my time it was not possible.”,” the caption read.
In his career, the former World No. 7 never won a Grand Slam title. However, he did reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 2009. He was beaten by Rafael Nadal here. At that time, it was the longest match in Australian Open history, lasting 5 hours and 14 minutes.
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The Domination of Big Four
The Big Four of Tennis- Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, not only dominated the male tennis sport for more than a decade and half; They definitely the sport for many tennis fans. Their sparking rivalries made tennis as a sport popular in every nook and corner of the world.
However, they are also accused of not letting other talented player to gain success. Only a few players such as Stan Wawrinka, Juan Martin del Potro and Marin Cilic were able to win a Grand Slam tournament. However, that is only a small flicker of glory in the larger story.
The Big Four shares 69 Grand Slam titles within themselves. But as they say “nothing stays forever”. Roger Federer retired from the sport and both Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray are grappling with injuries. Novak Djokovic, though is strong, is in the twilight years of his career.
This developing situation has helped in the rise of many young and talented tennis players. But it will take a long time before any player of the younger generation will be able to dominate the male tennis sport as The Big Four did.
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Abhar Indorkar
(451 Articles Published)