Rafael Nadal’s forthcoming retirement has brought tension through the tennis world. With Roger Federer stepping away two years ago and Novak Djokovic left as the last of the Big Three still competing an important question appears: What happens to tennis once Djokovic also bids farewell? Roger Federer’s former coach, Stefan Edberg, has stepped in with a compelling perspective. Drawing from his experience, Edberg highlights the immense potential of rising stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, suggesting that the next generation is ready to take the throne.
Federer’s former coach and childhood hero, Stefan Edberg, recently shared an intriguing prediction about the future of professional tennis. Widely regarded as one of the best serve-and-volley players, Edberg mentored the Swiss maestro and brought significant technical changes to Federer’s game. He famously transitioned the former ATP number one to a larger racquet, moving from 90 to 97 square inches, a change that helped the Swiss player rediscover his lost pace. With the Swiss legend’s era behind and Rafael Nadal set to bid farewell at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, the tennis fraternity is narrowing its focus to Novak Djokovic, the last remaining member of the Big Three. Yet, Edberg doesn’t see this transition as a crisis for the sport. He has a promising vision for its future.
In an interview with a Serbian media outlet, Edberg stated, “It is clear that we already have a new generation, led by Sinner and Alcaraz, who are taking over the baton from Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. They are young, playing at a fascinating level.” His words highlighted the incredible milestones both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have achieved. Sinner clinched the 2024 Australian Open and the US Open, while Alcaraz triumphed at Wimbledon and Roland Garros in the same season. Their performances offer hope for a smooth transition, establishing them as worthy successors to the legendary Big Three.
