Transitions between sporting eras are typically messy affairs. There may be first a vacuum, after which a number of contenders jostle to fill this house earlier than an otherworldly expertise descends and wins all the things in sight.
That is what occurred when Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi slowly exited the scene within the early 2000s, and the likes of Marat Safin, Lleyton Hewitt, Thomas Johansson and Andy Roddick sparred earlier than Roger Federer, after which Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic established a two-decade lengthy stranglehold.
As compared, the transition to the period of Carlos Alcaraz (21) and Jannik Sinner (22) from the Massive Three has been wrinkle free.
Djokovic had one of many biggest years in tennis historical past in 2023, profitable three Majors, reaching the ultimate of the opposite, claiming the ATP Tour Finals and ending the season as World No.1 for a report eighth time.
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But, there was house for Alcaraz and Sinner to supply enough proof that they’re the chosen two. As an alternative of a churn, what we’ve got witnessed seem to be affirmation hearings.
Alcaraz’s beautiful straight units victory over Djokovic within the Wimbledon remaining on Sunday, which ensured that each one three Slams in 2024 to this point have been received by Sinner (Australian Open) and Alcaraz (Roland-Garros and Wimbledon), has supplied probably the most definitive proof but.
“Being with Jannik, profitable Grand Slams… I feel it’s good for tennis to have new faces,” Alcaraz stated, after profitable his fourth Main. “I’m actually glad to have him [Sinner]. Now we have a very good rivalry and it’s nice for the game.”
There was by no means any doubting Alcaraz’s and Sinner’s expertise. It was at all times a query of their psychological make-up, probably the most essential facet in profitable huge tournaments.
However Sinner’s victory over the Serb within the 2024 Australian Open semifinal and Alcaraz’s within the final two Wimbledon finals have proven that they’ve the mettle.
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“Each of them are one of the best this 12 months by far,” Djokovic stated. “I’m not at that degree. To essentially have an opportunity to beat these guys in Grand Slam later levels or Olympics, I’ll should play significantly better than I did [vs. Alcaraz].”
This 12 months could be one the place Djokovic, a recurring winner of all huge prizes, turns the chaser. Alcaraz believes Djokovic remains to be the “Superman”, however the 37-year-old is aware of he has a tricky activity.
“I’m going to work on it,” the 24-time Main champion stated. “It’s not one thing I haven’t skilled earlier than. Within the face of adversity, usually I rise and I study and get stronger. That’s what I’m going to do.”