When Nadal asserted that the standard of the game has declined recently, he stirred much controversy. Rafael’s legendary career, which produced 22 Grand Slam titles, was coached by Uncle Nadal throughout that time. And Novak Djokovic made sure to disprove Toni Nadal’s assertion that players from earlier eras were superior to today’s stars.
Even though Rafa’s uncle criticized the present generation of tennis players, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Ben Shelton are the ones who have joined the Serb in the semifinals. Toni made remarks in an interview with El Pais that have generated a lot of discussion in the sport.
“The top tennis players of a few years ago were better than those of today.
Without a doubt, Nadal would surpass Medvedev, Murray would be better than Zverev, and Wawrinka better than Ruud. Del Potro would also beat Rublev & Ferrer the same with Rune”
Toni Nadal
(via @el_pais) pic.twitter.com/AdbMit80Q9
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) September 6, 2023
He continued by saying that the 36-year-old Djokovic is not comparable anymore to Djokovic at his peak. “And Djokovic is a worse player than five to ten years ago.” he said. He asserted that Murray would outperform Zverev, Wawrinka would outperform Ruud, and Nadal would surpass Medvedev.
However, Toni made sure to count Carlos Alcaraz out of his list of not-so-talented next-generation professional tennis players. He showed his surprise and exclaimed that it was beyond him how players do not have regularity and consistency anymore. Yet he said, “With the exception of Djokovic and Alcaraz, the level offered by the majority is disappointing.”
Novak Djokovic disagrees with Toni Nadal
When questioned about them as he pursues a second US Open victory, Djokovic was eager to refute Toni’s assertions that the quality of the top men’s tennis players is declining. He disproves Uncle Toni’s assertion by asserting that Alcaraz would triumph at any point in the sport’s history.
“I don’t agree with that because each generation has a group of great players who lead,” Djokovic said. He remarked how Sinner, Alcaraz, and Rune are now dominating the sport. Nole also admired Alcaraz’s gameplay and said he would still win the match even if he played in the past. “The way Carlos plays, It is very complete,” he said.
Yesterday, Novak Djokovic responded to some of Toni Nadal’s latest comments, the first being that Novak is a worse player than what he was 10 years ago:
“What is certain is that it would be a great battle. Of course I had more energy and mobility, but now I have more experience… pic.twitter.com/rL5LDULcAW
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 6, 2023
However, Novak Djokovic admitted that it is quite different now from how it was 10 years back. He revealed how both mentally and physically everything is a lot different than before especially now that he has a family and two children.
Nole admitted that his life is changing and evolving every day now. Being a father of two children has changed his life immensely off the court which has in turn affected his life both mentally and emotionally. However, he made sure to acknowledge everyone around him who helped him maintain his best shape.
FINALS ❤️💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 #USOpen pic.twitter.com/9jRZafzHMo
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) September 8, 2023
Novak Djokovic is preparing to face Daniil Medvedev in the US Open Final after defeating Ben Shelton to book a spot in the final. Medvedev came to the final by defeating defending champion, 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz.