THERE'S A GENERATION WAR IN TENNIS TODAY






There’s no doubt that we are experiencing a GENERATION WAR IN TENNIS AT THE MOMENT.

The old guard of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic are under threat from the new guard consisting of Thiem, Zverev, Tsitsipas, and Shapovalov. 

Recent results in the lead up to the French Open have seen the new guard matching and even beating the old guard in each tournament

Most surprising during this time has been the declining form of Rafael Nadal. The former 'King of Clay' has not been able to win any of the tournaments during this early part of the European clay-court season. His chances of winning the French Open this year look bleak.

Federer can be excused for not winning any of the lead up tournaments but he has shown us his game is good enough to beat anyone on the day and at this stage of his career he’s probably quietly saving his best effort for the grand slam.

Djokovic is the pick of the old guard to go all the way at the French. He’s a proven winner on clay and has this incredible ability to lift his form at the most important times. Djokovic is the ultimate competitor

Within the younger brigade I pick Dominic Thiem to do well at the French. But I really fancy Tsitsipas to do the best of the younger brigade long-term.

Tsitsipas has much more potential than the other younger brigade to development further, especially physically.  I expect to see him surge in the rankings over the next few months so long as his temperament keeps him focused throughout that time.

Zverev has been a disappointment to me. If he was going to become the next dominant force in tennis he would have done it by now. This 'hesitation' in his career is not a good sign.

The New Guard have knocked the door down. They are showing no respect for reputations. It’s been a long time since the French Open has been unpredictable. But the battle between the old and the new guard is even more interesting than who eventually wins the title.

“Cometh the Hour, Cometh the Man”

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