Current generation can't emulate Big 4's consistency: Anderson

The current generation of younger players is a good bunch but they can't reproduce the consistency achieved by the 'Big Four' in this "extraordinary" era, says South African tennis star Kevin Anderson. The 31-yearold said there was no doubt in the quality of current players but achievements of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray can't be emulated.

"The same level of consistency, I don't see that happening with current group of players. There is a bunch of very good players but to recreate the kind of consistency the Big 4 had in such a long period of time (is difficult). It's a pretty special era, they are still playing, so that era is still going on. It's exciting," Anderson, who lost the US Open final to Nadal, told PTI in an interview on the sidelines of Tata Open Maharashtra.

"Just because, what they are trying to reproduce is something very extraordinary. It has not happened in tennis before. I had very close matches with them. Following in the footsteps of Federer, Nadal or Djokovic is very difficult. Andy as well," he said.

Much to the delight of their millions of fans, Federer and Nadal won all Grand Slams in 2017 even as doubts surfaced if they will dominate the tennis court again, considering the injuries they fought. Despite battling a tough season, Anderson managed to move from 67 to 14 in rankings by the end of season, thanks to his maiden appearance at a Grand Slam.

In hindsight, Anderson says he could have won that match to become first Grand Slam champion from his country.

"Against Nadal, obviously he is more experienced. He has played Grand Slam finals 20 times. I was definitely playing good enough tennis to win that match. In hindsight, I needed to have more belief in myself. It comes to belief on those final moments and I am working on that.

"I am confident with the way I play. As the rounds progress in a tournament, you need to trust yourself more. This is something I have not done much in the past, that's a big goal for me. When I do that, I know, I can beat anybody," he said.