Potential reason for next gen inability to break through at slam level

[Respect for big 5]

With the big three sweeping the last two years worth of slams and all being over the age of thirty I am wondering what the next generation are communally lacking to cause a real threat to the veterans. I speculate that maybe it's something to do with the world in which these younger players live and were brought up in, which includes a lot of technological distractions such as social media and how that effects focus and mindset, which the big three probably just missed. This could be completely farfetched, but I'm interested in opinions

 

[NatF]

They just suck,

 

[smoledman]

With the big three sweeping the last two years worth of slams and all being over the age of thirty I am wondering what the next generation are communally lacking to cause a real threat to the veterans. I speculate that maybe it's something to do with the world in which these younger players live and were brought up in, which includes a lot of technological distractions such as social media and how that effects focus and mindset, which the big three probably just missed. This could be completely farfetched, but I'm interested in opinions

Think about Federer back in 2002-2003 when he was building up to becoming a GS champion. No social media, no Youtube. Even back then there were no player blogs. Even for Nadal & Djokovic coming up still before social media really hit(2008). Really very little distractions compared to what would come for the Lost Gen & Next Gen. Think about how things were then and now. Back then Federer did have to worry about articles that were written about his bad losses and that was concerned. However, now after a bad loss like Zverev just had, he can expect a Twitter-storm savaging him. How mentally draining is constantly worrying the reaction on social media to wins or losses?

I'm not sure it's even possible for a Zverev to just 'unplug' from all the social media stuff, because the 'powers that be' in the ATP and sponsors almost require it. The first guy in this era to start dominating will be a mental giant in comparison to previous generation because of these epic distractions.

 

[raph6]

Tennis and the sport in general has evolved. Now 30+ athletes are still very good physically and they have the experience to make the difference. But Shapovalov, Tsitsipas, FAA are on time if you compare their rankings to the ones of past champions at the same age.

 

[Phoenix1983]

I think it plays a role for sure.

I was born in 1983, and as such am younger than Federer, but older than Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Nevertheless, I think we grew up in a generation where mobile (cell) phones and social media only came in as exciting new developments in late adolescence - rather than always being there.

Those born in the 1990s will have known nothing other than the social media age, and as such, will focus more on taking selfies and updating their Twitter feed than improving their tennis.

Agreed upon by all non-millennial observers.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

I think it plays a role for sure.

I was born in 1983, and as such am younger than Federer, but older than Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Nevertheless, I think we grew up in a generation where mobile (cell) phones and social media only came in as exciting new developments in late adolescence - rather than always being there.

Those born in the 1990s will have known nothing other than the social media age, and as such, will focus more on taking selfies and updating their Twitter feed than improving their tennis.

Agreed upon by all non-millennial observers.

You're a millennial yourself.

 

[Phoenix1983]

You're a millennial yourself.

Eh, I’ve had this debate with others.

I don’t think people born in the early 1980s can really be classified as millennials - there needs to be a category in between Gen X and millennial.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

Eh, I’ve had this debate with others.

I don’t think people born in the early 1980s can really be classified as millennials - there needs to be a category in between Gen X and millennial.

30 year old boomer.

 

[Red Rick]

With the big three sweeping the last two years worth of slams and all being over the age of thirty I am wondering what the next generation are communally lacking to cause a real threat to the veterans. I speculate that maybe it's something to do with the world in which these younger players live and were brought up in, which includes a lot of technological distractions such as social media and how that effects focus and mindset, which the big three probably just missed. This could be completely farfetched, but I'm interested in opinions

I think there are 2 massive things

- Growing with poly made them worse tennis players. I think poly is terrible for training cause there's barely a feedback mechanism to force you to hit a clean, accurate ball. Just spin enough and it'll go in.

-21st century media has born and bred a bunch of absolute mental midgets who are happy playing their overglorified idols and are happy to share the court and receive a spanking and wait it out until Fedalovic hang it up in their late 30s to early 90s.

If you can't beat them, outlive them.

 

[Deleted member 307496]

Eh, I’ve had this debate with others.

I don’t think people born in the early 1980s can really be classified as millennials - there needs to be a category in between Gen X and millennial.

I was born in 1991. I don't count myself as a "millennial". I count myself as Gen Y...

 

[OhYes]

So, what do you think do they visit ttw and mtf and what conclusions they can have from it ?

 

[OhYes]

I was born in 1991. I don't count myself as a "millennial". I count myself as Gen Y...

1991 ? Damn you are still kid

 

[Jaitock1991]

Eh, I’ve had this debate with others.

I don’t think people born in the early 1980s can really be classified as millennials - there needs to be a category in between Gen X and millennial.

Millennial or not, your point still stands and I believe that it's a highly relevant one. Sad, but true imo.

 

[Respect for big 5]

Think about Federer back in 2002-2003 when he was building up to becoming a GS champion. No social media, no Youtube. Even back then there were no player blogs. Even for Nadal & Djokovic coming up still before social media really hit(2008). Really very little distractions compared to what would come for the Lost Gen & Next Gen. Think about how things were then and now. Back then Federer did have to worry about articles that were written about his bad losses and that was concerned. However, now after a bad loss like Zverev just had, he can expect a Twitter-storm savaging him. How mentally draining is constantly worrying the reaction on social media to wins or losses?

I'm not sure it's even possible for a Zverev to just 'unplug' from all the social media stuff, because the 'powers that be' in the ATP and sponsors almost require it. The first guy in this era to start dominating will be a mental giant in comparison to previous generation because of these epic distractions.

I agree he will be a rare breed!

 

[Deleted member 307496]

1991 ? Damn you are still kid

I'll be 27 in about a month or so. Don't think that makes me a little kid anymore but sure I'm young.

 

[Meles]

With the big three sweeping the last two years worth of slams and all being over the age of thirty I am wondering what the next generation are communally lacking to cause a real threat to the veterans. I speculate that maybe it's something to do with the world in which these younger players live and were brought up in, which includes a lot of technological distractions such as social media and how that effects focus and mindset, which the big three probably just missed. This could be completely farfetched, but I'm interested in opinions

How about focusing on LostGen failing to win any slams lol. That's the problem right now.

 

[Respect for big 5]

I think there are 2 massive things

- Growing with poly made them worse tennis players. I think poly is terrible for training cause there's barely a feedback mechanism to force you to hit a clean, accurate ball. Just spin enough and it'll go in.

-21st century media has born and bred a bunch of absolute mental midgets who are happy playing their overglorified idols and are happy to share the court and receive a spanking and wait it out until Fedalovic hang it up in their late 30s to early 90s.

If you can't beat them, outlive them.

Ha yeah interesting theories.. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Basilashvili and Thiem to set an example. I guess time will tell

 

[ibbi]

I think tennis has been simplified the last 15/20 years with the evolution of tech, and the slowing down of the game, and thus easier to succeed at longer. Better fitness than ever before is probably making all the difference too. The advantages of youth are less advantageous than they once were, and the old guys have all the experience. I don't think nextgen is really at crisis level at this point, but the lost gen thing is remarkable. There's probably going to be a hole in history of about a decade from which there is not a single grand slam winner.

 

[OhYes]

I'll be 27 in about a month or so. Don't think that makes me a little kid anymore but sure I'm young.

Given the age I thought you had, you are kid

 

[Deleted member 307496]

Given the age I thought you had, you are kid

I grew up with a family who liked tennis already. That means a lot of what I talk about when it comes to older days was instilled in me when I was young. And I rewatch matches over time.

I am old enough to experience every member of the Big 3 rising however.

 

[OhYes]

I grew up with a family who liked tennis already. That means a lot of what I talk about when it comes to older days was instilled in me when I was young. And I rewatch matches over time.

I am old enough to experience every member of the Big 3 rising however.

Oh great Really lucky lad you are.

 

[TimHenmanATG]

I don’t think people born in the early 1980s can really be classified as millennials - there needs to be a category in between Gen X and millennial.

I've seen it suggested that there needs to be a distinction between those who grew up without mainstream internet, smartphones, and social media, and those who didn't.

This makes sense to me. Anyone who was born in the early-to-mid 1980s wouldn't have had access to the internet until they were teenagers. And the late 90s/early 00s internet certainly wasn't as all-encompassing and ubiquitous as it is nowadays, so people born between 1980-1986 would have reached adulthood before the internet would have been such a huge thing.

Smartphones and social media really came to the fore around 2006, so anyone born after 1995ish wouldn't have grown up without them.

 

[Deleted member 307496]

Oh great Really lucky lad you are.

I liked Murray a lot because he wasn't too much older than me and he seemed more human than Djokovic, Nadal and Federer! Although I have a lot of nostalgia when it comes to Hewitt.

I defend him a lot because he was the No. 1 when I was a kid lol...

 

[sureshs]

Nadal and Djokovic are the greatest ever, and Federer was lucky to be slightly older than them and benefit from a weak era between Sampras and Nadal. Next gen players are not as talented or lucky.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

It is the big question, isn't it?

Maybe now, since their bodies holds longer because of medical science, the older players get and advantage having all that experience. They can read the game better than anyone else.

 

[Druss]

I'll be 27 in about a month or so. Don't think that makes me a little kid anymore but sure I'm young.

Going by some of yours posts when you vividly remember some matches that were played in the mid 90s, I would have sworn you were older. I wish I could remember stuff when I was 3 or 4, let alone tennis matches.

 

[Respect for big 5]

It's probably just by chance we have three blockbusters playing at the same time with super staying power. Let's enjoy it while it lasts

 

[itrium84]

With the big three sweeping the last two years worth of slams and all being over the age of thirty I am wondering what the next generation are communally lacking to cause a real threat to the veterans. I speculate that maybe it's something to do with the world in which these younger players live and were brought up in, which includes a lot of technological distractions such as social media and how that effects focus and mindset, which the big three probably just missed. This could be completely farfetched, but I'm interested in opinions

I wouldn't call it a reason for their inability - it's a relatively significant mindset factor. Of course, it's influence to achievements is impossible to measure, but yeah - what you said is totally valid.

Sent from my Redmi Note 4 using Tapatalk

 

[leejayh]

30's is the new 20's. Better science, better physical maturity, more experience. Federer sure does not win anything anymore based on physicality. He still hits ok shots, but lacks power, foot speed, etc. Fed still wins because he has accuracy (experience) and strategy (experience). It is great to see, but will only last for so long.

20's are not winning because in order to win up to that time, I feel it was all about physicality. You could bomb it better than the other dudes your age in the formative years. But, after that, when you have to play with the big boys, you don't have the full mental game yet, and the 30 year old's are physical enough.

One other factor which has also changed stuff, is that most tennis players are averaging taller and bigger now. Average height went up from the 5' 10" range, now into the 6' 2" range. So, 30's players today are all larger and can not be overcome with just physicality as the previous generation.

 

[jm1980]

With the big three sweeping the last two years worth of slams and all being over the age of thirty I am wondering what the next generation are communally lacking to cause a real threat to the veterans. I speculate that maybe it's something to do with the world in which these younger players live and were brought up in, which includes a lot of technological distractions such as social media and how that effects focus and mindset, which the big three probably just missed. This could be completely farfetched, but I'm interested in opinions

Just how much practice can you get in anyway? It's not like you can be playing tennis 16 hours a day without distractions

We have millions of millennials joining the workforce today and society hasn't collapsed yet

I don't think this is a good theory...

 

[Deleted member 307496]

Going by some of yours posts when you vividly remember some matches that were played in the mid 90s, I would have sworn you were older. I wish I could remember stuff when I was 3 or 4, let alone tennis matches.

I rewatch stuff mate. Going by memory, I don't remember Rafter too well but Hewitt is someone I remember always doing well.

 

[Respect for big 5]

Just how much practice can you get in anyway? It's not like you can be playing tennis 16 hours a day without distractions

We have millions of millennials joining the workforce today and society hasn't collapsed yet

I don't think this is a good theory...

I'm not referring specifically to practice time on court. For example I saw backstage footage at the Laver cup of Zverev glued to his mobile phone with his feet up in contrast to Djokovic warming up the whole time. Just seemed to me like there was an extra discipline to what to the older players were doing in preparation.

 

[Jonas78]

Smartphones, PS and sh1t definetly play a part. I play the guitar and it's the same thing; The 80s/90s (or even older) guitar heroes are still the best players in the world. The young people today have way too many distractions.

 

[jm1980]

he 80s/90s (or even older) guitar heroes are still the best players in the world.

Of course they are. Just look at when Guitar Hero's popularity peaked (mid to late 2000s)

By the time 2000s kids were old enough to play Guitar Hero, it had already fallen off a cliff

The young people today have way too many distractions.

You're fooling yourself if you think people in their 30s-40s and even beyond are not equally distracted

My mom probably spends more time on social media than I do

 

[MrFlip]

MENTAL
PHYSICAL
TALENT

Federer, Djokovic and Nadal always do better in those categories 95% of the time against NextGen.

Sometimes it comes through in bursts e.g. Shapo def Nadal 2017.

 

[Max G.]

People have been complaining about “kids these days” for literally millennia. https://proto-knowledge.blogspot.com/2010/11/what-is-wrong-with-young-people-today.html?m=1

Nowadays, people use “millennials” as a synonym for “kids these days”, even though millennials includes everyone born from roughly 1982 to 2002 so lots of millennials are now in their thirties.

 

[George Turner]

Social media is a weak excuse. Poly strings are more important, as highlighted earlier by @Red Rick

The game is heading for a generation of baseline grinding automatons all trying to copy the Djokovic way. With a match up like Coric vs Di Minaur what is there to talk about except who can outgrind the other? A player like Shapo is going to be a rare exception to this norm.

It is not because of social media this situation has emerged.

 

[Jaitock1991]

It is the big question, isn't it?

Maybe now, since their bodies holds longer because of medical science, the older players get and advantage having all that experience. They can read the game better than anyone else.

They're like old karate masters, they'll literally beat most of their opponents with experience alone. And the fact that their bodies allow them to still execute at a reasonably high level still makes them formidable forces.

 

[mike danny]

It is the big question, isn't it?

Maybe now, since their bodies holds longer because of medical science, the older players get and advantage having all that experience. They can read the game better than anyone else.

Only because there are no good young players to push them out. Young Nadal, Djokovic, Murray and even Delpo would have done just fine against today's oldies.

 

[tennis_pro]

They just suck,

/thread

They don't even deserve a proper ending of a sentence with a "."

 

[tennis_pro]

I think it plays a role for sure.

I was born in 1983, and as such am younger than Federer, but older than Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Nevertheless, I think we grew up in a generation where mobile (cell) phones and social media only came in as exciting new developments in late adolescence - rather than always being there.

Those born in the 1990s will have known nothing other than the social media age, and as such, will focus more on taking selfies and updating their Twitter feed than improving their tennis.

Agreed upon by all non-millennial observers.

The new generations could really be wasted. I myself didn't even have a DSL connection until I was 15. Didn't even have a cell phone until I was 17 (could've had it earlier but didn't need it). As Louis C.K. once said right now if something doesn't go through a small screen of your cell phone it doens't exist. It's really said.

You take a bus everyone is on a cell phone, you meet friends and some of the younger ones can't take 20 seconds without looking something up on their phone.

 

[George Turner]

This will all change next year when Zverev is challenging for majors.

 

[Jonas78]

Of course they are. Just look at when Guitar Hero's popularity peaked (mid to late 2000s)

By the time 2000s kids were old enough to play Guitar Hero, it had already fallen off a cliff


You're fooling yourself if you think people in their 30s-40s and even beyond are not equally distracted

My mom probably spends more time on social media than I do

Not quite what i meant. I also use things a lot, but they werent around when i grew up. When the guitar players who got big in the 80s (Vai, Malmsteen etc) grew up, these things didnt exist.

 

[GabeT]

They just suck,

Short but pointed
Truthful but hurtful

Reminds me of some dates I’ve had.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Only because there are no good young players to push them out. Young Nadal, Djokovic, Murray and even Delpo would have done just fine against today's oldies.

But it's not comparable the same way as racquets went through radical changes in that period right before big four dominance. So it's difficult to make a conclusion there and it's no legitimate proofs yet.
I'm only trying to see tendencies what's happening now.

 

[Djokodalerer31]

The consensus is this! The big-3 is so atg, that they brought the game to a level, after which it cannot be elevated further and you can on,y keep up! Consider a planck in pole jumping, after which the human body is not allowed to push over anymore, unless evolution makes one's body eveolve beyond its current physical limits! You simply can't have better mentality, run faster, have the most technical variety and hit harder than big-3 anymore! They set the planck that cannot be surpassed! Thats my take on it! Next gen's biggest hope is that big-3 retires sooner, so that it will clear the path in majors draws for them to start winning those titles! With big-3 still in bussiness and motivated - not a damn chance!

 

[toby55555]

They're like old karate masters, they'll literally beat most of their opponents with experience alone. And the fact that their bodies allow them to still execute at a reasonably high level still makes them formidable forces.

World Karate Champions are of a similar but slightly younger age group mostly 26-30

 

[Deleted member 307496]

The consensus is this! The big-3 is so atg, that they brought the game to a level, after which it cannot be elevated further and you can on,y keep up! Consider a planck in pole jumping, after which the human body is not allowed to push over anymore, unless evolution makes one's body eveolve beyond its current physical limits! You simply can't have better mentality, run faster, have the most technical variety and hit harder than big-3 anymore! They set the planck that cannot be surpassed! Thats my take on it! Next gen's biggest hope is that big-3 retires sooner, so that it will clear the path in majors draws for them to start winning those titles! With big-3 still in bussiness and motivated - not a damn chance!

These guys are not as good as what I saw from guys like Hewitt and Safin at the same age. Especially Hewitt, who at 20 was already No. 1 and had a major under his belt.

 

[Respect for big 5]

The consensus is this! The big-3 is so atg, that they brought the game to a level, after which it cannot be elevated further and you can on,y keep up! Consider a planck in pole jumping, after which the human body is not allowed to push over anymore, unless evolution makes one's body eveolve beyond its current physical limits! You simply can't have better mentality, run faster, have the most technical variety and hit harder than big-3 anymore! They set the planck that cannot be surpassed! Thats my take on it! Next gen's biggest hope is that big-3 retires sooner, so that it will clear the path in majors draws for them to start winning those titles! With big-3 still in bussiness and motivated - not a damn chance!

When Fed's finally gets bored and retires, Murray will be back to keep the door firmly closed on the next gen

 

[raph6]

These guys are not as good as what I saw from guys like Hewitt and Safin at the same age. Especially Hewitt, who at 20 was already No. 1 and had a major under his belt.

Hewitt and Safin had this opoortunity because back then, 30+ players were loosing their physical abilities. So the youngers were outperforming them on this area of the game.

Now, for exemple, a 32 years old Nadal, who had dozens of injuries, is still able to compete in 5hours match. Besides, he has a huge experience with more than 1000 matches play. How do you want the Next-Gen to beat that ?

Stop idealizing the past, things have just changed and it won't ever be the same.