“They need more time,” Patrick Mouratoglou counters Chris Evert as debate on NextGen continues

Patrick Mouratoglou and Chris Evert exchange their views on the declining popularity of tennis sport.

“They need more time,” Patrick Mouratoglou counters Chris Evert as debate on NextGen continues

Patrick Mouratoglou and Chris Evert

Superstar coach Patrick Mouratoglou is one of the coaches whose advice is heard by even the best players in the sport. He has groomed many outstanding players in his career. The illustrious list includes Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, Simona Halep, Holger Rune, and Grigor Dmitrov.

Hence, his opinions are considered with a grain of salt. In a recent social media post, he countered the views of an organisation that highlighted the issue of dropping viewership in the male tennis sport.

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To this, American tennis legend Chris Evert replied with a subtle phenomenon and the growing value of Americans in the sport in her latest social media post.

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“Give the next Gen some time. The big 3 haven’t been loved from day 1,” the caption read.

“Wow, that’s a little negative! Think more positive; they’re rebuilding, lots of talent out there, Americans doing great, Novak priming to be the greatest of all time…,” her caption read.

To this, Patrick Mouratoglou replied with a mature explanation.

“What is negative ? Some people say that the young ones are not loved as much as the big 3. I believe they need time to get known and appreciated as much as the older ones that people have learned to like throughout the years,” his caption read.

Tennis’s recent decline in popularity was evident in the drop in attendance numbers at the Australian Open 2023. 

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Novak Djokovic practicing at Melbourne Park (Image Credit: CNN)
Novak Djokovic practicing at Melbourne Park (Image Credit: CNN)

The younger generation of players is exciting and tremendously rich in potential and character, but they are unable to generate the same level of support and excitement as The Big Three.This is a fact. The retirement of Roger Federer last year created a huge vacuum in the sport. Although the two legends, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadala, are still active, they are in the twilight years of their careers.

Also, the Spaniard has had to deal with a lot of injuries in the recent past, which forced him to sit out for a considerable period. He is also struggling with his form, and the 2023 season till now has been a horror show for him. The Serb is dominant, but he is also one of the world’s most popular tennis players.Fans all around the world are divided in their opinions about him.

Hence, tennis needs new superstars. Although the younger generation of tennis players is trying to take their place, it will still take them a lot of time to receive the kind of affection the older generation dictated. Also, the behaviour of tennis players on and off the court is an important consideration.

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