“Generational Change in Tennis: Nadal and Djokovic Injured, Teenagers in Top Form”

After his next show of power, Carlos Alcaraz didn’t want to know anything about a generational change or the big footsteps of his compatriot Rafael Nadal. “We’re not here to take someone’s place,” said the 19-year-old Spaniard after his successful title defense in Barcelona, ​​”but to write our own history.” And anyway, he “didn’t want to be anyone’s substitute.”

With this very self-image, the young wild ones are increasingly pushing into the leading roles on the ATP tour. Not only did Alcaraz, second in the world rankings, defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6: 3, 6: 4 on Sunday and collect his third title of the season, but also 19-year-old Dane Holger Rune positioned himself for the clay court highlights with his tournament victory in Munich – and superstars Nadal and Novak Djokovic can only watch the teenagers attack from sick leave at the moment.

Countless times in recent years, the time for a generational change has seemed to have come around the dominant “Big Three” Nadal, Djokovic and Roger Federer (resigned in 2022), but now the turning point in men’s tennis is actually beginning to appear. Because five weeks before the start of the French Open (from May 28th), the long-standing industry leaders raise many question marks, especially the condition of the 14-time Paris champion Nadal is worrying.

earned respect

Since his second-round exit at the Australian Open in January, the clay court king has not played a match due to ongoing problems with a hip flexor. Nadal also canceled the Masters tournament in Madrid, which started on Wednesday, and world number one Djokovic, who was recently looking for his form, also cannot serve due to an elbow injury in the Spanish capital.

The two 22-time major champions are running out of time to prepare for the Grand Slam spectacle in Roland Garros. Of course, the exceptional athletes have proven so far that they are always to be reckoned with, even under difficult circumstances at the most important tournaments. But the up-and-coming talents, which also include the Italians Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti, have recently earned respect with strong performances.

“We see you as a role model, even if we’re older than you,” said the chanceless Tsitsipas appreciatively in the direction of Alcaraz after his defeat in the final. The 24-year-old Greek is one of a group of players who have tried unsuccessfully to unseat Djokovic and Nadal in recent years.

But Djokovic is “sure”, said the Serbian top star, that US Open champion Alcaraz, Sinner and Rune “will be at the top in the future. They could be the next ‘Big Three’”. Even if Djokovic and Nadal want to delay this replacement. (SID)