Time for young guns to take over, says Djoker
ABU DHABI — Novak Djokovic reckons that after years of dominance by Top three names, the time has come for young guns to emerge on the grand stage.
“I am happy as a tennis player to see a new generation of players coming up and winning big titles like Alexander Zverev, Karen Khachanov, Dominic Thiem and Chung Hyeon as well. There is lot of quality in next generation players. And this is what you want to see in sport – young players showing their courage and stepping up. As a fan of the game, it is good to see that. I am kind of expecting them to win Grand Slams soon. And Zverev is the leader of the upcoming stars. He won three Master series events. They have shown they can challenge top three players for titles,” said Djokovic on Thursday, ahead of his match at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on Friday.
The Serbian said the domination by himself, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer may not last longer. “So far Top 3 guys have been able to keep their positions for many years but the face of tennis is changing. You have more challenges from younger generation and it is good. As a fan, I salute that change.”
Looking back at a season where he slipped to rank 22 and yet finished with the No. 1 crown, Djokovic said: “It was a roller coaster ride. The season has taught me a lot. As a tennis player and as a person, I had to dig deep and switch tables in my favour.”