Former Nitto ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev claimed that younger players would have taken over the Big three if the break due to the Covid-19 pandemic would not have happened.
On the contrary, seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander said that the break could affect the younger generation more than the old guard”.
“Obviously we lose a year of the chase in the history books but at the same time who really cares who ends up with the most majors ? It hurts Novak more because he was in great form and Roger is getting older, but for the younger players a break like this is much tougher. They are obviously going to be able to practise at some point, somewhere, but not playing matches ? The only way to improve when you are 21 is through confidence and growing the knowledge. Federer can be off for six months but knows how to win matches. The younger players are still forming their ways to win matches”, said Wilander.
Wilander, who now works as tennis pundit for Eurosport, said that the Covid-19 pandemic is the perfect time to attract a new generation of fans.
“We are going to lose the greatest player of all time in terms of interest in a year or two when Roger stops. We have a new breed of men and women that are really exciting, great athletes, great attitude but they are missing out on a bit of the limelight, while the likes of Federer, Djokovic and Nadal continue to play. Now it’s time to re-brand the sport a little to attract a younger audience. Maybe we can see more men’s and women’s combined events so the young players can be marketed better”, said Wilander.