"Americans doing great, Djokovic priming to be the GOAT" - Chris Evert predicts 'positive' time for men's tennis
Tennis legend Chris Evert recently predicted a bright future for men's tennis, citing Novak Djokovic's bid to become the GOAT as well as the recent rise of American stars on tour.
Djokovic won his record 10th Australian Open title and 22nd Grand Slam title overall in 2023, tying Rafael Nadal's Slam record and moving one step closer to becoming the GOAT. In the process, he regained his World No. 1 ranking and has a chance to break Steffi Graf's overall record of 377 weeks at the top.
Meanwhile, American men's tennis is having one of its best periods ever, with Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz already making a name for themselves. The 2023 Australian Open also saw three American men reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2000, in the form of Sebastian Korda, Ben Shelton, and Tommy Paul. Now, there are as many as 10 Americans in the Top-50 of the ATP rankings.
One Twitter user recently stated that with Roger Federer retired, Rafael Nadal struggling with injuries, and a "polarizing" player in the form of Novak Djokovic at the top of the game, men's tennis isn't in a "great spot" right now, adding that the next-gen players aren't "appealing" either.
"Federer retired, Nadal struggling with injuries, declining viewership and a polarizing player at the top of the game, men’s tennis isn’t in a great spot right now. Aside from a few the next gen brat pack aren’t that appealing either," the user wrote.
@pmouratoglou Federer retired, Nadal struggling with injuries, declining viewership and a polarizing player at the top of the game, men’s tennis isn’t in a great spot right now. Aside from a few the next gen brat pack aren’t that appealing either.
18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert couldn't help but respond, saying that the remarks were a little "negative," and pointing out that there are many "positive" things happening in men's tennis. As examples, she brought up the resurgence of the U.S. men's side and Novak Djokovic's quest for greatness.
"Wow, that’s a little negative! Think more positive; they’re rebuilding, lots of talent out there, Americans doing great, Novak priming to be the greatest of all time," Evert wrote.
Wow, that’s a little negative! Think more positive; they’re rebuilding, lots of talent out there, Americans doing great, Novak priming to be the greatest of all time…🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️ twitter.com/pmouratoglou/s…
In light of this, renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou initially assumed that the American tennis great's remarks were in response to his tweet and and stated that he believes Next Gen players require "time" to become known and appreciated like the Big-3. Thankfully, Evert clarified soon after that her comments were directed at the fan and not at him.
"What is negative? Some people say that the young ones are not loved as much as the big 3. I believe they need time to get known and appreciated as much as the older ones that people have learned to like throughout the years," Mouratoglou wrote.
What is negative ? Some people say that the young ones are not loved as much as the big 3. I believe they need time to get known and appreciated as much as the older ones that people have learned to like throughout the years. twitter.com/chrissieevert/…
No, not your tweet @pmouratoglou !! This tweet! You are right on! twitter.com/atp22/status/1…
"The GOAT race will really start" - Patrick Mouratoglou on Novak Djokovic being able to play all 4 Grand Slams in 2023
After winning the first Major of the season, Novak Djokovic is set to compete in the remaining three Grand Slams. Previously, the Serb's participation in the US Open was in doubt due to his vaccination stance; however, with the country relaxing its rules for the entry of unvaccinated foreigners beginning May 11, the 22-time Grand Slam winner will be able to compete in New York in a tournament he has won three times.
Following the news, Patrick Mouratoglou took to Twitter and stated that now that Djokovic will be able to compete in all four Grand Slams this year, the GOAT race will "really start."
"Novak Djokovic will be able to play the 4 GS in 2023. The GOAT race will really start," Mouratoglou wrote.
Novak Djokovic will be able to play the 4 GS in 2023.
The GOAT race will really start…