Former World No.4 explains why tennis ‘has become less creative’ as he gives his opinion on Jannik Sinner-Carlos Alcaraz rivalry

The former World No.4 said rivalry between players is good for tennis as it motivates them to keep performing.

Former World No.4 explains why tennis ‘has become less creative’ as he gives his opinion on Jannik Sinner-Carlos Alcaraz rivalry

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (Images via X)

Tomas Berdych, when in a recent interview was asked if tennis has changed in recent years, he explained why it has become less creative after the new generation took over it. Berdych, a former World No.4 retired in 2019.

He part of the generation that was dominated by the Big 3. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have retired but Novak Djokovic is still playing. As the Big 3 reached the twilight of their career, the tennis world saw the emergence of players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner who have established themselves as the two best players of the world.

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I think the game has changed, definitely. I would say the game gets less creative. If you look at the Top 10 guys, you don’t see many differences between them. So that’s my point. I’m not saying if it’s good or bad.

Tomas Berdych told Tennis Majors

Berdych thinks a rivalry between the youngsters would help them to have the motivation to keep performing to their fullest and would keep improving their game. The 39-year-old is hoping to see more rivalry in the future.

We need a rivalry to be there: it’s good for tennis. The biggest one so far is Alcaraz-Sinner, and only like that can they become better players.

Tomas Berdych added

Alcaraz has met Sinner in 10 matches and leads him 6-4 in their head-to-head encounter. They are preparing for the next season and could meet at the Australian Open.

Tomas Berdych feels proud to be a part of the Big 4 era

During the same interview, Tomas Berdych was asked whether he feels proud to be a part of the golden era of tennis. He said playing against ‘extremely high level of opponents only helped him become a better player as he used to try to reach their level.

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray (Image via Imago)

So I think I was actually very, very lucky in many senses that I could, first of all, play against all of them and be part of this historical era – it was something very special and very unique – and also that they managed to get the maximum out of me.

Tomas Berdych said

Berdych, though he never won a Grand Slam title, said he’s at peace with himself because he gave his all to try to win it. He has reached the semifinals of all four Majors but progressed to just one final, at the 2010 Wimbledon final.

He has met Novak Djokovic 28 times but won just three matches. Against Roger Federer, he was 6-20, while against Rafael Nadal, he was 4-20. Andy Murray on the other hand led 11-6 in their head-to-head contest.