It seems like the men's game might finally be starting to turn the corner in terms of some new young talent emerging to challenge and replace the three mega stars who have carried the game for the last 15-20 years. I remember Wimbledon 2019, hoping that transition would begin to occur. But big 3 basically dominated everyone into submission. This year feels a little different. Novak will probly still win but some new blood seem prime to take the next step.

Please allow me to throw up all over this post with disorganized hot takes:

Super young elites emerging (22 and under)

• Aliassime (20) - So young but plays so mature. Huge signature win over Zverev that oughta give him confidence going forward. Multiple future majors for him.
• Korda (21) - As posted on the other thread, he's easily the best American "prospect" since Roddick
• Shapovalov (22) - Love that he ruthlessly waxed Murray on Centre Court. He might not beat Novak today but he's not gonna back down.
• Tsitsipas (22) - Already reached 3 major semifinals and almost won French

Next tier - former super elites whose development has been stunted a little by big 3 continued dominance but their time will come:

• Medvedev (25) - Don't like his game as much but it's effective, especially on the hardcourts.
• Zverev (24) - Still super high on Zverev. I know Fed has taken him under his wing a little. Game is maturing.
• Thiem (27) - I think he'll rack up a few French Opens when Rafas time is done
• Berretini (25) - Feels like the "next" Andy Roddick. Huge serve and forehand but achilles will probably always be his movement (esp to the backhand side). He can overpower most guys and will find himself in quite a few major semis/finals, but there will probably always be a couple top tier players who can absorb his power and expose his movement. I was at the 2019 Wimbeldon match (humble brag!) where Fed absolutely dismantled him and think Novak will do the same in the final if they meet. Still a nice step forward for him this year.

Legends

• Fed/Nadal - I think they both still have game left in the tank. Both will probly begin crafting their schedules around certain tournaments each year. I honestly wouldn't put it past Fed to play another 2-3 grass focused years and compete at a very high level. Maybe even win another Wimbledon if some breaks go his way. Just needs to stay healthy (big question mark).
• Novak - I think he's been waiting his whole career to have the spotlight on him (away from Fed/Rafa) and probably has another couple years of full schedule tennis before having to tone it back a little. Basically zero doubt at this point that he'll end up with the most majors. But will the tennis establishment recognize him as GOAT? Will be interesting to see.

Love the Sinner, hate the sin

Mega fail by me for not including Alcaraz on my OP

Not a big tennis fan, but this Kyrgios dude seems like a crazy MFer. Looked him up while he's berating his own supporters and it looks like he's had past issues with self-harm. Yikes

It's ridiculous. The best player won't be allowed to play the US hard court season or next years Aus open. We will see him again around the clay court season. It's a travesty. The vaccine mandate is as bureaucratic as it gets. Sad.

Those bureaucracies are led by our federal executive branch. It isn't bureaucratic, it is our elected leadership. If desired, the head of any agency making these rules could be removed and replaced tomorrow.

This is no longer March of 2020.

The GOAT. I basically only knew of Sampras and Agassi as a younger kid but Federer is what got me watching all the grand slams and staying up in the middle of the night to watch the Australian Open etc. I was 16 when he won his first slam.

Probably my favorite athlete of all time. He seemingly moved around the court effortlessly, won with dignity and humility, and was the best ambassador the sport could have ever asked for.

I was also hoping he'd give it one more go at Wimbledon but that's the way it goes.

Bunk Moreland said:

---

The GOAT. I basically only knew of Sampras and Agassi as a younger kid but Federer is what got me watching all the grand slams and staying up in the middle of the night when to watch the Australian Open etc. I was 16 when he won his first slam.

Probably my favorite athlete of all time. He seemingly moved around the court effortlessly, won with dignity and humility, and was the best ambassador the sport could have ever asked for.

I was also hoping he'd give it one more go at Wimbledon but that's the way it goes.

---

Ditto on all that

100% the GOAT in my mind. Class on and off the court. Brought tennis to a new level.