'Big Three' getting old? Novak Djokovic doesn't think so

The last four ATP Masters 1000 events have been won by players outside the 'Big Three' but it will be Novak Djokovic facing Rafael Nadal in the 2021 Italian Open final.

Published : May 16, 2021 17:34 IST

"I'm glad that we (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer) are showing that we're not backing off from NextGenATP attacks," the men's singles world No. 1 said ahead of Rome Masters final.
"I'm glad that we (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer) are showing that we're not backing off from NextGenATP attacks," the men's singles world No. 1 said ahead of Rome Masters final.
lightbox-info

"I'm glad that we (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer) are showing that we're not backing off from NextGenATP attacks," the men's singles world No. 1 said ahead of Rome Masters final.

The 'Big Three' of men's tennis have found some "fresh energy" to thwart the charge of younger players on the tour, world number one Novak Djokovic said after setting up yet another title clash against his biggest rival Rafael Nadal.

The last four ATP Masters 1000 events, the most prestigious tournaments outside the Grand Slams, have been won by players outside the grouping of Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer.

But it will be top seed Djokovic facing second seed Nadal at the Foro Italico on Sunday for the Rome Masters title in a 57th career meeting between the duo, with the Serbian leading 29-27.

"Rafa and I had a little laugh today in the locker room after I won against Tsitsipas," Djokovic, 33, told reporters after his semifinal win against local favourite Lorenzo Sonego.

RELATED |

"We kind of joked around that the old guys are still not giving up. I saw he said somewhere that Roger, him and I are old, but I disagree with him. I think we're showing some different, fresh energy. I am really glad that we are showing we're not backing off from the NextGenATP attacks."

Russian Daniil Medvedev, 25, won the ATP Finals and the Paris Masters titles last year and has already displaced the 34-year-old Nadal from second spot in the rankings.

Hubert Hurkacz, Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev have won the three Masters events this year with Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas the youngest of them, at 22.

But Djokovic and Nadal will return to the Masters winners' circle on Sunday, having survived some stern tests during their previous rounds in Rome.

"It's great to play him again in the final," Djokovic said of the 20-time major winner. "He is the guy that I have encountered the most in my career. Definitely my biggest rival of all time. Playing him on clay in the finals of one of the biggest tournaments in the world is always extra motivating for me."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment