KEY POINTS

  • Michael Stich sees a future tennis "Big 3" in the new generation
  • The Wimbledon winner wants the young players to find away to beat the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
  • Federer hopes to make a comeback this year after missing the Australian Open

Wimbledon legend Michael Stich fancies witnessing the future “Big 3” of tennis.

Like any other superstar athletes, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will eventually leave the sport as icons.

However, the 1991 Wimbledon Tournament winner wants to see the “Big 3” being exceeded by some of the most celebrated tennis stars of the new generation sooner rather than later.

Weighing in on today’s game, Stich admitted that though it seems hard, he “wishes” players such as US Open winner Dominic Thiem and other notable youngsters could actually find a way to succeed Djokovic, Nadal and Federer while the trio is still active.

"As a spectator and fan, I naturally wish that the passing of the torch would still happen during the active time of the 'Big Three'," Stich recently told Stats Perform News.

"It's the big goal of all young players that they would like to beat a Roger Federer, a Novak Djokovic, and a Rafael Nadal in a grand slam final,” he continued. “An Andy Murray and a Juan Martin del Potro did it. The only two in what felt like 20 years, and Stan Wawrinka, who is not to be forgotten with three titles.”

"It's up to the young generation now and they are no longer 19,” the German pointed out. “They are all 22, 23, 26. Dominic Thiem achieved it at the US Open. One would, of course, wish that they actively shape this transition, but that is looking into the future."

Dominic Thiem in action against Daniil Medvedev in the ATP Finals decider
Dominic Thiem in action against Daniil Medvedev in the ATP Finals decider AFP / Glyn KIRK

The current men’s singles bracket has a plethora of young and exceptionally talented players. Apart from Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev also present strong cases to replace the legendary “Big 3.”

While it hasn’t happened yet, Stich is positive that the reign of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer will come to an end and a new set of players will take over.

"We have a generation in which three players [Djokovic, Nadal and Federer] shaped this period extremely," Stich concluded. "Now is a chance for the others to step into the spotlight. The next generation will follow in their footsteps. I'm not worried about that."

Meanwhile, Djokovic remains the No. 1 player in the current ATP Rankings. On the other hand, Nadal sits steadily at No. 2.

Federer, who has missed the recent Australian Open due to injury, is at No. 5. The Swiss maestro eyes a comeback later this year.

RELATED STORIES