Wilander fears new kids can’t beat Rafa and Roger

Rafael Nadal and Roger federer can continue to dominate men’s tennis because the emerging generation still have ‘no idea’ how to beat them over five sets. That is the view of seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander, who believes only a fit and motivated andy Murray or Novak djokovic have the tools to intervene in a rivalry now enjoying an extraordinary longevity. Nadal’s straight-sets triumph over Kevin anderson in the US Open final late on Sunday night was his 16th Grand Slam title, meaning a 50-50 split of the majors between him and federer for the fourth season in all. as at Wimbledon, flushing Meadows brought into question the orthodoxy that strength in depth is greater on the men’s tour than it has ever been. ‘I really don’t see that the young guys are making an impact on the older ones next year, not on a consistent basis,’ the Swede told Sportsmail. ‘It will be the same against andy and Novak when they come back. The young guys just don’t have it in them to play five sets with those four. It’s an art form that the young guys haven’t figured out. I don’t see one who is even close to figuring it out. ‘World No 4 alex Zverev is a good player but when it comes to five sets he has no clue what he is doing, none. They don’t understand momentum changes, tactical switches. ‘On the regular tour the challengers can beat the top guys over three sets, but in the Grand Slams I don’t see it. ‘I absolutely think andy and Novak can come back and beat Roger and Rafa. They know how to do it.’