Novak Djokovic makes ‘next big 3’ claim, excludes Casper Ruud

Novak Djokovic takes a guess at who will replace the Big 3 in the younger generation

Novak Djokovic makes ‘next big 3’ claim, excludes Casper Ruud

Finally, Novak Djokovic has broken his silence on who in his opinion might replace the ‘next Big 3’. Debate on who will replace the Big 3 is ripe since the time Roger Federer retired last year. Rafael Nadal’s injury is posing a concern about how long he is going to continue. And eventually, World no. 1 Novak Djokovic will also retire, making blank spaces to replace the big 3 of tennis as they are famously known as.

Djokovic was recently interviewed by L’Equipe a French National newspaper. Djokovic was asked what he thinks were the odds of Carlos Alcaraz winning the Roland Garros this year. He said “It’s amazing for our sport to have a champion like him. And he’s so young.”

YouTube video
Credit: Tennis TV Youtube

Not limiting his response to Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic threw in Jannik Sinner’s name as a potential winner. He said “It’s also refreshing to have another great rivalry that excites people, the one between him and Jannik Sinner. We have seen exciting matches between them at Indian Wells and Miami.”

The young generation of tennis players is showing real potential in who might eventually take the coveted spot. They are providing the fans with renewed rivalries which are bringing the Big 3 level of excitement back to the fore. Predicting the young bloods who could replace the big 3, Djokovic said “I’m sure that those two guys (Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner), along with (Holger) Rune from the younger generations, are going to be the leaders. So maybe that’s the next big three.”

Amongst the fresh breed of tennis players, Djokovic didn’t mention the name, Casper Ruud. The Norwegian player who will climb to the ranking of world no. 4 after his win at the Estoril Open finals does not make a cut in the Top 3 names for Djokovic. Despite his great ramp-up in 2021 and good performance in 2022, Ruud is left out of many such elite lists and predictions.

Related: Holger Rune recalls lessons from Serena Williams after their joint practice session

The Tennis next Big 3 Prophecy

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer

So many different players have made their own declaration for the Tennis next Big 3. Very recently, Holger Rune himself had the same prediction as Djokovic. He said, “I hope the trio will be me, then (Carlos) Alcaraz, who has already shown that he knows how to win Grand Slams, and finally (Jannik) Sinner.” Even retired tennis player Argentina’s Del Potro made the exact same predictions recently. In very contrasting predictions made by Andy Murray last year, his 3 names were Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Lorenzo Musetti.

Only time will tell whose predictions might come true but this is an exciting time for tennis and it will be equally exciting to see which player rises and stay at the TOP.

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