Why I believe that Sunday's Final will be the real beginning of the post-big 3 era!

[Vamos Rafa Nadal]

Thiem and Zverev; Cilic and Nishikori - they have been the only two Grand Slam finals with non-big 3 finalists - and joining them will be Alcaraz and Ruud on Sunday! This will be the REAL beginning of the post-big 3 era - this does not mean that none of the big 3 can ever win Grand Slams in the future - it does mean however that their dominance will finally be ended! Yes, they have gotten older but it's also a changing of the guard: Carlos is 19 and Casper is 23. I really believe Carlos will win on Sunday (debate it all you want I am very certain of it) - it's going to be the beginning of a brand new era in men's tennis and it's about time! I say this as someone who loves and adores Rafa. We will finally get more GS finals without any of the big 3 with greater consistency in 2023! Mark my words!

 

[optic yellow]

Thiem and Zverev; Cilic and Nishikori - they have been the only two Grand Slam finals with non-big 3 finalists - and joining them will be Alcaraz and Ruud on Sunday! This will be the REAL beginning of the post-big 3 era - this does not mean that none of the big 3 can ever win Grand Slams in the future - it does mean however that their dominance will finally be ended! Yes, they have gotten older but it's also a changing of the guard: Carlos is 19 and Casper is 23. I really believe Carlos will win on Sunday (debate it all you want I am very certain of it) - it's going to be the beginning of a brand new era in men's tennis and it's about time! I say this as someone who loves and adores Rafa. We will finally get more GS finals without any of the big 3 with greater consistency in 2023! Mark my words!

Carlos is going to win unless he chokes hard but I feel like it's pretty reasonable for him to start believing in the destiny at this point.

 

[ibbi]

I mean, at some point it has to happen, right? Of course, the US Open has always been the outlier, and you can go back before the two you mention to 2009. That was the first time a new age looked to be on the horizon, 2016 was another one you could throw in there, but all these dawns were false.

I'd like to see this kind of thing happen at one or two of the other majors before declaring a true end, especially when only one of the three guys you're talking about was even in the draw here.

 

[gjm127]

They're also both tiny by today's standards

Finally a GS final without at least one player being 6'3 or more.

 

[Djokodalerer31]

Whichever "beginning" you have in mind it won't stop at least Djokovic from adding to his slam tally...i'm more than positive that in that regard nothing is gonna change in the next couple of years! By the time 2025 hits he will sit at least at 25 grand slams! Nadal might stop winning, but not Djokovic...

 

[Fedforever]

Interesting thread here.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1567871833143132165

 

[ChrisRF]

Whichever "beginning" you have in mind it won't stop at least Djokovic from adding to his slam tally...i'm more than positive that in that regard nothing is gonna change in the next couple of years! By the time 2025 hits he will sit at least at 25 grand slams! Nadal might stop winning, but not Djokovic...

I expect the same. At least it's not possible to call the end of the Big 3 era if Djokovic actually didn't start losing and only is out of the picture for now because he was banned.

 

[junior74]

I think a change of guards is long overdue. Finally...

Let's hope they can keep it up and produce more great tennis at WTF and AO. People have been sugarcoating Big3's tennis for years. The level has not been great in tennis for a long time.

 

[Jokervich]

Thiem and Zverev; Cilic and Nishikori - they have been the only two Grand Slam finals with non-big 3 finalists - and joining them will be Alcaraz and Ruud on Sunday! This will be the REAL beginning of the post-big 3 era - this does not mean that none of the big 3 can ever win Grand Slams in the future - it does mean however that their dominance will finally be ended! Yes, they have gotten older but it's also a changing of the guard: Carlos is 19 and Casper is 23. I really believe Carlos will win on Sunday (debate it all you want I am very certain of it) - it's going to be the beginning of a brand new era in men's tennis and it's about time! I say this as someone who loves and adores Rafa. We will finally get more GS finals without any of the big 3 with greater consistency in 2023! Mark my words!

And then Djokovic and Nadal win the first 3 slams of next year, right? Nadal was injured/distracted by personal matters off court and Djokovic wasn't allowed to play. There is no suggestion it is the end of the big 3 era (well big 2 era now because Federer looks finished with that injury). I'll believe it when Djokovic loses Wimbledon and Nadal loses RG to one of these players.

 

[Vamos Rafa Nadal]

And then Djokovic and Nadal win the first 3 slams of next year, right? Nadal was injured/distracted by personal matters off court and Djokovic wasn't allowed to play. There is no suggestion it is the end of the big 3 era (well big 2 era now because Federer looks finished with that injury). I'll believe it when Djokovic loses Wimbledon and Nadal loses RG to one of these players.

Do you have a hard time with reading comprehension? I said that it doesn't mean that they won't occasionally win a Grand Slam (Djokovic and Nadal). I am NOT saying they are done entirely, only that we won't be getting one of the big 3 in almost every single final anymore. The big 3 era is ending! I love Rafa and would love for him to win one or two more but honestly I would prefer for Carlos to start winning regularly more!

 

[Julius Caesar]

Whichever "beginning" you have in mind it won't stop at least Djokovic from adding to his slam tally...i'm more than positive that in that regard nothing is gonna change in the next couple of years! By the time 2025 hits he will sit at least at 25 grand slams! Nadal might stop winning, but not Djokovic...

 

[Vamos Rafa Nadal]

He will be prevented from getting that many because the young players - especially Carlos - will prevent it. And that is why there is so much hate towards Carlos! Reading comprehension is so poor because I clearly stated I was NOT saying that Rafa and Novak would never win another slam! I said they won't dominate and show up in every slam final from now on! I will be proven right about this!

 

[Jokervich]

Do you have a hard time with reading comprehension? I said that it doesn't mean that they won't occasionally win a Grand Slam (Djokovic and Nadal). I am NOT saying they are done entirely, only that we won't be getting one of the big 3 in almost every single final anymore. The big 3 era is ending! I love Rafa and would love for him to win one or two more but honestly I would prefer for Carlos to start winning regularly more!

I know, but I'm saying the dominance won't end. US Open has thrown up a lot of different winners over the last 15 years, so it's irrelevant to use that as a prediction for the future. Big 3 dominate all the other slams and I don't see that changing. Only Murray and Wawrinka won a slam outside US Open since early 2005! And like I say, Djokovic didn't play this tournament so I don't see how you can predict anything about him losing his dominance. He's been forced to miss the majority of the season due to silly politics.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

You can’t say this when Djokovic was barred from playing slams this year. Djokovic will win more for sure. From what I have seen there is still no emerging ATG talent. Even if alcaraz wins at 19 he’s limped through many matches in 5 sets and it doesn’t mean he’s going to just take over. He still has a few weaknesses in his game. Let’s see

 

[Chanwan]

I know, but I'm saying the dominance won't end. US Open has thrown up a lot of different winners over the last 15 years, so it's irrelevant to use that as a prediction for the future. Big 3 dominate all the other slams and I don't see that changing. Only Murray and Wawrinka won a slam outside US Open since early 2005! And like I say, Djokovic didn't play this tournament so I don't see how you can predict anything about him losing his dominance. He's been forced to miss the majority of the season due to silly politics.

I see where you're coming from and in many ways, I agree. And I feel certain that Djokovic is not done winning.
However, I also feel certain that for the first time in years the entire competition won't **** their pants just by the prospect of facing the Big 2.

And that makes it harder to win slams for both Djokovic and Rafa. I would personally think W 2023 is the "most secure" big 2 title next year, whereas I have an easier time seeing Djoko losing at the AO (if he competes) as well as Rafa at the FO. Both Sinner and Alcaraz' have a bit of Stanimal in the way they just pummel their ground strokes. I don't think Djokovic would fancy meeting either at the AO (not saying he can't still win, of course).

 

[Bud]

I expect the same. At least it's not possible to call the end of the Big 3 era if Djokovic actually didn't start losing and only is out of the picture for now because he was banned.

Djokovic banned himself.

 

[Bud]

You can’t say this when Djokovic was barred from playing slams this year. Djokovic will win more for sure. From what I have seen there is still no emerging ATG talent. Even if alcaraz wins at 19 he’s limped through many matches in 5 sets and it doesn’t mean he’s going to just take over. He still has a few weaknesses in his game. Let’s see

Djokovic wasn't banned or barred from playing anything. He refused a vaccination that protects him from possibly spreading something worse to others. That's a choice of his. He also try pulling the wool over Australia's eyes coming into the country under false pretenses. Again, his own fault. Stop making him a victim and a martyr.

Hopefully, Australia sticks by their decision to keep him out of the country for the next couple years for what he tried to pull.

 

[abmk]

I see where you're coming from and in many ways, I agree. And I feel certain that Djokovic is not done winning.
However, I also feel certain that for the first time in years the entire competition won't **** their pants just by the prospect of facing the Big 2.

And that makes it harder to win slams for both Djokovic and Rafa. I would personally think W 2023 is the "most secure" big 2 title next year, whereas I have an easier time seeing Djoko losing at the AO (if he competes) as well as Rafa at the FO. Both Sinner and Alcaraz' have a bit of Stanimal in the way they just pummel their ground strokes. I don't think Djokovic would fancy meeting either at the AO (not saying he can't still win, of course).

Sinner choked/crumbled vs Djoko in the last slam (Wimbledon) itself.
Med still would crumble if he saw Nadal across the net. probably Djokovic in a slam if Djokovic is playing decent.
Zverev is still injured and was choking vs Nadal even before that.

Also Felix losing early in both Wim and USO after playing well in AO/FO. smh.
tsitsipas laying an egg again at USO. out before QF in both RG and Wim as well.

Tiafoe winning once vs nadal doesn't necessarily mean change in things. Although I hope it does.

 

[Chanwan]

Sinner choked/crumbled vs Djoko in the last slam (Wimbledon) itself.
Med still would crumble if he saw Nadal across the net. probably Djokovic in a slam if Djokovic is playing decent.
Zverev is still injured and was choking vs Nadal even before that.

Also Felix losing early in both Wim and USO after playing well in AO/FO. smh.
tsitsipas laying an egg again at USO. out before QF in both RG and Wim as well.

Tiafoe winning once vs nadal doesn't necessarily mean change in things. Although I hope it does.

Will you please allow me to keep my optimism until Djokodal crushes it one more time??? ;-)

• Sinner is developing before our very eyes, just like Alcaraz. The W match vs. Djoko was a learning curve. If he works on his serve off season, watch out
• Medvedev has had a strange year, probably ain't that easy with a war going on back home and his country being condemned in the vast majority of the countries, he play in. I can see him rise again - he faltered physically vs. Rafa (maybe a slight injury? Or just tired), but Rafa is getting older and more beatable by the season
• FAA - yeah, I've given up for now, but overall some improvements. Don't think Toni should be his coach.
• Tsitsipas, agree
• Zverev - possibly his best ever slam performance vs. Alcaraz. There's still "hope" for him
• Kyrgios - he's actually gotten hungry. Can he stay hungry? Then he's a nightmare in most draws.
• Tiafoe seems to have turned a corner, I think he'll stay relevant next year as well
• Alcaraz will only get better, I think

 

[abmk]

Will you please allow me to keep my optimism until Djokodal crushes it one more time??? ;-)

well cautious optimism
but I've learn the hard way not to expect much.

• Sinner is developing before our very eyes, just like Alcaraz. The W match vs. Djoko was a learning curve. If he works on his serve off season, watch out
• Medvedev has had a strange year, probably ain't that easy with a war going on back home and his country being condemned in the vast majority of the countries, he play in. I can see him rise again - he faltered physically vs. Rafa (maybe a slight injury? Or just tired), but Rafa is getting older and more beatable by the season
• FAA - yeah, I've given up for now, but overall some improvements. Don't think Toni should be his coach.
• Tsitsipas, agree
• Zverev - possibly his best ever slam performance vs. Alcaraz. There's still "hope" for him
• Kyrgios - he's actually gotten hungry. Can he stay hungry? Then he's a nightmare in most draws.
• Tiafoe seems to have turned a corner, I think he'll stay relevant next year as well
• Alcaraz will only get better, I think

Alcaraz and Sinner are the only ones from whom we can expect consistently.
FAA can be more explosive than he is and have better footwork. Definitely needs a different coach.
I'm pissed at Khachanov for taking out Kyrgios in a quality 5-setter and then laying a 'Karen' vs Ruud. smh. But still not sure Kyrgios can keep it consistently in late stages of slams. Should've got points at Wim, but didn't. That didn't help.

 

[prosperned]

Worrying times for Djoko fans. I can see the panic as Alcaraz grows.

Nadal’s slam lead was always dependent on the next gen finally getting their s*** together because he’s got a lot more mileage than Djoko despite just the year gap. He also always has a chance at the French given his level is greater than we’ve seen from anyone else. He can still peak a Prime Alcaraz there I’m sure in 2025.

I’ll adjust my predictions if this was a breakout tournament to 24 Nadal, 22 Djoko

 

[jl809]

The thing is, if Alc hadn’t made the final, would we be praising deep runs by Khachanov, Tiafoe and Ruud as the start of a new era, or just a horrible freak slam which is an artefact of Djokovic being banned and Nadal being out of form?

I think the entire optics of this next season is reliant on Alcaraz and Sinner

 

[Chanwan]

well cautious optimism
but I've learn the hard way not to expect much.



Alcaraz and Sinner are the only ones from whom we can expect consistently.
FAA can be more explosive than he is and have better footwork. Definitely needs a different coach.
I'm pissed at Khachanov for taking out Kyrgios in a quality 5-setter and then laying a 'Karen' vs Ruud. smh. But still not sure Kyrgios can keep it consistently in late stages of slams. Should've got points at Wim, but didn't. That didn't help.

Who's ever sure of anything Kyrgios-related? I'm not holding my breath, but I can see him staying serious and being a factor. Especially if he continues the doubles partnership with KK. He genuinely seems to care this time around.

Agree on the Alca-Sinner part, but that's already two more than we've had since forever (though Medv has been pretty consistent on hard).
I had such high hopes for FAA, but he seems stuck. Still young though, Norman would do wonders for him, I think.
Not to forget Ruud, who's playing better than I thought he was capable of.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Worrying times for Djoko fans. I can see the panic as Alcaraz grows.

Nadal’s slam lead was always dependent on the next gen finally getting their s*** together because he’s got a lot more mileage than Djoko despite just the year gap. He also always has a chance at the French given his level is greater than we’ve seen from anyone else. He can still peak a Prime Alcaraz there I’m sure in 2025.

I’ll adjust my predictions if this was a breakout tournament to 24 Nadal, 22 Djoko

It’s more worrying for Nadal in my opinion. Djoko can still hang better with the next gen but if alcaraz becomes even better on clay he might beat Rafa there next season. I still think Djokovic can win Australia (if he can play) and Wimbledon despite the rise of alcaraz.

 

[ultimathule]

Alcaraz should be a perennial favorite in USO and AO. He'll always go deep at RG, but the clay, I'm afraid, will somewhat neutralize his offensive shots and instincts. As to Wimby, I'll give him a few years before I'll declare him a serious contender.

 

[BorgTheGOAT]

We had USO winners other than the big three the last two years as well just for Nadal or Djokovic to win all the other slams. Also it is not that those “new” USO winners prove to be anywhere consistent afterwards. Thiem completely disappeared after USO 20 and Med hasn’t exactly proven his worth either lately, so before there isn’t any new winner who at least backs it up with a second slam I am still sceptical about any passing of the torch. This does not even take into account that Djokovic didn’t play this year, if he had he may well have won and we wouldn’t even have this discussion.

 

[Bartelby]

Djokovic was given a legal visa with a valid exemption to enter Australia. And he did in fact enter the country with a restored visa after a law case.

He no longer needs to vaccinate to enter, and the opportunists are gone, so it's full Serbian speed ahead for next year.

Djokovic wasn't banned or barred from playing anything. He refused a vaccination that protects him from possibly spreading something worse to others. That's a choice of his. He also try pulling the wool over Australia's eyes coming into the country under false pretenses. Again, his own fault. Stop making him a victim and a martyr.

Hopefully, Australia sticks by their decision to keep him out of the country for the next couple years for what he tried to pull.

 

[Bud]

Djokovic was given a legal visa with a valid exemption to enter Australia. And he did in fact enter the country with a restored visa after a law case.

He no longer needs to vaccinate to enter, and the opportunists are gone, so it's full Serbian speed ahead for next year.

Sure. That's why he was sent into isolation and then deported unceremoniously. The last info was he's barred from reentering Australia for a few years.

 

[Bartelby]

You got it all wrong. Djoko was deported for non-visa related issues. The opportunists are gone, and the ban will be lifted as a consequence.

And he wasn't put into isolation. He was imprisoned in a detention centre to Australia's eternal shame.

Sure. That's why he was sent into isolation and then deported unceremoniously. The last info was he was barred from reentering Australia for a few years.

 

[Silverbullet96]

I remember when we believed that after AO 2014.

 

[Bud]

You got it all wrong. Djoko was deported for non-visa related issues. The opportunists are gone, and the ban will be lifted as a consequence.

And he wasn't put into isolation. He was imprisoned in a detention centre to Australia's eternal shame.

We'll see if he's allowed to re-enter Australia in 2023. I've not heard that answered as of now.

 

[Bartelby]

I can only advise you not to put any money on him not being at the AO23.

We'll see if he's allowed to re-enter Australia in 2023. I've not heard her be answered to as of now.

 

[UnderratedSlam]

I will enjoy bumping these kinds of threads when Novak wins AO next year...

And then Wimbledon...

 

[Halba]

new big two. Casper & Karl to dominate the 2020s. this is it.

 

[Halba]

Whichever "beginning" you have in mind it won't stop at least Djokovic from adding to his slam tally...i'm more than positive that in that regard nothing is gonna change in the next couple of years! By the time 2025 hits he will sit at least at 25 grand slams! Nadal might stop winning, but not Djokovic...

he's banned from the AO 2023- visa 3 years rule. So he's not going to play until RG and thats rafa's. So if his form is good enough he may do wimbledon. USO he'll be too out of form by then.

he;s done imo

 

[UnderratedSlam]

he's banned from the AO 2023- visa 3 years rule. So he's not going to play until RG and thats rafa's. So if his form is good enough he may do wimbledon. USO he'll be too out of form by then.

he;s done imo

Every expelled foreign national might face a 3-year exclusion period.

Might.

He will play AO, 100%.

 

[a10best]

Every expelled foreign national might face a 3-year exclusion period.

Might.

He will play AO, 100%.

Yep, he's playing. AO governing body and the Prime minister are on board. Fans were pissed.
Craig Tiley confirms Novak Djokovic's 2023 Australian Open participation: Reports (sportskeeda.com)

 

[Bartelby]

Except it's not a hard and fast rule. It's waivable and that's what will happen.

he's banned from the AO 2023- visa 3 years rule. So he's not going to play until RG and thats rafa's. So if his form is good enough he may do wimbledon. USO he'll be too out of form by then.

he;s done imo

 

[prosperned]

It’s more worrying for Nadal in my opinion. Djoko can still hang better with the next gen but if alcaraz becomes even better on clay he might beat Rafa there next season. I still think Djokovic can win Australia (if he can play) and Wimbledon despite the rise of alcaraz.

I’m pulling legs tbh haha. Djokovic is as near a cert at this age as it gets at Wimbledon.

AO I’m not so convinced given the competition we’re beginning to see on hard courts. US this year is apparently of similar condition to AO so will be interesting to see in Australia if both Sinner and Alcaraz put up a real challenge to Djoko. Zverev too tbh.

 

[Oval_Solid]

its the start of the alcatraz era
no one else is winning a slam for the next 5 years

 

[weakera]

Depends on Djokovic

 

[Pheasant]

Let’s wait until these guys can beat a healthy version of Nadal and Djokovic first before stating that there was a changing of the guard.

With that being said, congrats to those two players for making the final. I like both of them a lot. Both are class acts.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Djokovic can still keep up with alcaraz on hard courts. It will be a good battle. Don’t think Nadal can though. I think his AO win was a bit miraculous but don’t see him winning another HC or grass major. It’s all about french for him now but even that won’t be easy with the rise of alcaraz, Djoko still in mix and other young guns around.

 

[TennisFan3]

No way. Wait till Novak Djokovic wins 3 or 4 slams next year.

Right now - Novak is 2x better than Ruud/Alcaraz/Sinner/Tiafoe etc.

It's always the same narrative, the big 3 are DEAD. It never happens. The fact is until players with "better" tennis come along, Nadal and Djokovic will rule.

Expect Djokovic to CRUSH all these next gen in AO 2023 and make a statement there. I will BUMP this thread then..

 

[TennisFan3]

Djokovic can still keep up with alcaraz on hard courts. It will be a good battle. Don’t think Nadal can though. I think his AO win was a bit miraculous but don’t see him winning another HC or grass major. It’s all about french for him now but even that won’t be easy with the rise of alcaraz, Djoko still in mix and other young guns around.

Novak would easily beat Ruud/Alcaraz/Sinner/Tiafoe/Kach etc etc. Without even going the distance on hardcourts.

 

[weakera]

Djokovic can still keep up with alcaraz on hard courts. It will be a good battle. Don’t think Nadal can though. I think his AO win was a bit miraculous but don’t see him winning another HC or grass major. It’s all about french for him now but even that won’t be easy with the rise of alcaraz, Djoko still in mix and other young guns around.

Bookmarked lol

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Novak would easily beat Ruud/Alcaraz/Sinner/Tiafoe/Kach etc etc. Without even going the distance on hardcourts.

I agree. It will be interesting though to see Djokovic battling these guys on hard courts. It will be fun.

 

[Pheasant]

I wouldn’t bet against Djoker in Australia. At the USO, he’s beatable now, only due to the wear and tear of the long season on his 35 year old body. But even there, he is at 50/50 vs anybody.

 

[paolo2143]

Whichever "beginning" you have in mind it won't stop at least Djokovic from adding to his slam tally...i'm more than positive that in that regard nothing is gonna change in the next couple of years! By the time 2025 hits he will sit at least at 25 grand slams! Nadal might stop winning, but not Djokovic...

I am a Novak fan and i will be stunned if he wins more than another 2 slams, in fact if he doesn't win one of next 3 then he will be lucky to get to 23. I also think if Rafa does not win either Australian or French open next year then he will struggle to get to 23.

 

[Zardoz7/12]

Djokovic is ironically doing tennis a favour, in his absence the field is more open, Nadal's first half of the season contained two slams and 2 ATP titles but his abdominal injury and then his foot injury has impacted him.

We are seeing what Men's tennis can do without the two most dominating forces in Men's tennis and I don't mind the future if Alcaraz or another dominant force steps it up. I'm more upbeat about the future of Men's tennis than I was say 2 years ago.