We are still in the pre-season season, still in the time to put on the forefront and analyze and debate some of the most important issues that tennis news has given in 2021. The last to get on the bandwagon of opinion have been the Spanish David ferrer and the australian Mark Philippoussis, both former tennis players who know what it is to play a Grand Slam final. Spanish and Australian have commented for Sky Sports on Raducanu’s incredible breakthrough and his near-term future, on Andy Murray’s hopeful and inspiring return to the elite, on the succession to the top spots in men’s tennis of the Big 3 by the new generation and on the dominance of Novak Djokovic. Always more than recommended to read two illustrious people like Ferrer and Philippoussis.
The succession to the Big 3 by the new generation
Ferrer: “They are improving every year. But we cannot compare this generation with Rafa, Roger and Novak because it is impossible. They are the three best in history. For me, Zverev, Medvedev and Tsitsipas are the ones who should be there. Carlos Alcaraz is only 18 years old, but he is improving a lot and has a great future. His team is really good with Juan Carlos Ferrero at the helm, but the most important factor is that he is humble and knows how to listen. “
Philippoussis: “Medvedev, Zverev and Tsitsipas are the main names up there. There are other guys too, but they don’t have the same consistency as the ones I’ve mentioned. I’m especially interested in Tsitsipas because I love his complete game. I love the passion that he has. It puts him, how he gives everything and what tennis means to him. He moves great on the court and goes towards the net without any fear. “
The domination of Novak Djokovic
Ferrer: “Everything will be tighter next year. He is one of the best players on the planet. The problem for Roger Federer is that he will not play in Australia and there are serious doubts that he can be at Wimbledon. In this At the moment, Djokovic is playing well and healthy but Rafa Nadal also has his chances of winning the Australian Open, that’s for sure. “
Philippoussis: “This guy is an animal playing the best of five sets. To beat the best of five you have to have a crazy game and I think that at the US Open he did not really give the opportunity because he was quite nervous. The most beautiful thing about all this is that he has shown that he is human. He gained a lot of followers that day. When he fell apart after the game that showed how much he cares about all this, as he could have been cold. By the time he retires, he will have broken any record in all sections of tennis. “
The Raducanu phenomenon
Ferrer: “He has a bright future. Although the most important thing is that he knows how to deal with the pressure because it will not be easy at all since he is young and has just won a Grand Slam. We will see how the pressure takes this next year. This is going to be very important to her. Equally, she is an incredible tennis player with great talent and can win more Grand Slams in her career. “
Philippoussis: “She had a crazy ride at Wimbledon, but to go through the qualifying and dominate the tournament like she did at the US Open without losing a set is incredible. I think there are more stories like this in women’s tennis because it’s the best. three-set. In men’s tennis, it’s seven matches to the best of five sets, it’s a lot of tennis. A lot of things happen, you need to be at a great mental and physical level. You also need some luck. “
The competitive return of Andy Murray
Ferrer: “He finished the year playing really well. It is very important for Andy to play big tournaments, rest and be prepared to play those events that he has decided to play.”
Philippoussis: “It’s amazing to see him playing there again. He shows passion there on the track, grinding, enjoying and competing.”
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