Novak Djokovic: 'The next generation is a set away from winning Major'

The first Major of the season starts on Monday at Melbourne Park, producing an ultimate battle between the established legends of our sport and the upcoming contenders ready to pass them. In 2019, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer were able to keep their positions at the top, finishing in the top-3 12 years after doing that for the first time and winning all four Majors and five Masters 1000 trophies. Novak is the main favorite in Melbourne ahead of Nadal and Federer, seeking the eighth title and even more intense GOAT race with his closest rivals. Nonetheless, the young guns will try to spoil the party for the favorites and end their streak of 12 consecutive Major crowns won, with Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas as the most serious contenders to achieve that.

Occupying high ranking positions in the season behind us, Daniil and Stefanos have already claimed big titles and scored victories over the biggest rivals, preparing for the first Major of the season and looking for a chance to battle against three legends who are still at the top of their game. Praising the young challengers, Novak Djokovic said they have been coming closer and closer, moving a "set away" from that extra step that would take them to the highest level and Major trophies. 

"Well, the young guns are coming closer and closer. Daniil Medvedev had a great fight with Rafa in the last Grand Slam at the US Open of last season. Stefanos Tsitsipas played semis here last year. Dominic Thiem reached two Roland Garros finals. They are one set away," said Djokovic. "On a given day, very shortly, I think that can happen and will happen; it is inevitable. I don't think they are missing too much, to be honest. I believe they possess compelling games that require a lot of skills, and they have those skills. They have put in the hours and dedicated themselves on and off the court. I think a lot of those next-generation players are working very hard, acting very professionally. That's a good sign because that's one of the precursors, I guess, for the success. To win a Slam and also to be consistently on the top level for many years, it takes a player to gain that mental and emotional maturity and experience to understand his strengths, to fight his fears."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/37mL6Ly