Generational change from Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer one step away but complete change will take time, says Ivan Ljubicic
Roger Federer's former coach Ivan Ljubicic feels men's tennis is on the precipice of moving away from the Big-3 era of Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. With the Swiss retired, Nadal on the verge of hanging up his racquets and Djokovic going through a poor run of form at the moment, the Croat is of the opinion that a generational change is on the cards.
At the same time, Ljubicic made it clear that fans will have to wait a while for the complete change. The former World No. 3's comments come in light of recent developments at the Italian Open, where Djokovic fell in the quarterfinals at the hands of Holger Rune and Nadal skipped the event due to a hip injury.
As a result, the tournament became the first edition in Rome since 2004 to feature neither of the duo in the final.
"Here we are. Novak struggled in Rome this year, Rafa didn't come but has difficulty returning, Roger has already said goodbye. Obviously the generational change is one step away, but for the complete change I would wait a moment longer," Ljubicic said in an interview with UbiTennis.
While Rune has managed to reach the final, the other spot will be a toss-up between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev, who are currently battling it out in the second semifinal.
Rafael Nadal hints at 2024 being his final year on tour
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal made a shocking announcement earlier this week, stating that 2024 could be his final year on the ATP Tour. The Spaniard also announced his withdrawal from the upcoming French Open, lamenting that the hip injury he sustained at the Australian Open hasn't evolved according to plan.
"The injury I suffered in Australia has not evolved as expected. I have lost goals along the way. Roland Garros becomes impossible. I will not be able to be there after many years and with what it means this appointment for me," he said.
Furthermore, the 22-time Grand Slam champion added that he will be taking an extended break from the game and that he will skip tournaments for the next few months as well. If possible, the former World No. 1 plans to play at the Davis Cup representing his home country of Spain, which remains his next ojective for now.
"I am going to try to regenerate my body. I'm not going to set a return date," he said. "When I'm ready, I'll try to be there. The Davis Cup, at the end of the year, can be an objective. And try to face next year with guarantees in what I think will be my last year."