‘Big Three’ getting outdated? Novak Djokovic doesn’t suppose so

The ‘Big Three’ of males’s tennis have discovered some “fresh energy” to thwart the cost of youthful gamers on the tour, world No 1 Novak Djokovic mentioned after establishing yet one more title conflict in opposition to his greatest rival in opposition to Rafael Nadal.
The final 4 ATP Masters 1000 occasions, essentially the most prestigious tournaments outdoors the Grand Slams, have been gained by gamers outdoors the grouping of Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer.
But it will likely be prime seed Djokovic going through second seed Nadal on the Foro Italico on Sunday for the Rome Masters title in a 57th profession assembly between the duo, with the Serbian main 29-27.
“Rafa and I had a little laugh today in the locker room after I won against (Stefanos) Tsitsipas,” Djokovic, 33, advised reporters after his semifinal win in opposition to native favorite Lorenzo Sonego.
“We sort of joked round that the outdated guys are nonetheless not giving up. I noticed he mentioned someplace a couple of days in the past that Roger, him and I are outdated, however I disagree with him. I feel we’re exhibiting some completely different, contemporary vitality.
“We had a laugh about it…I’m really glad that we are showing we’re not backing off from the NextGenATP attacks.”
Russian Daniil Medvedev, 25, gained the ATP Finals and the Paris Masters titles final 12 months and has already displaced the 34-year-old Nadal from second spot within the rankings.
Hubert Hurkacz, Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev have gained the three Masters occasions this 12 months with Greek Tsitsipas the youngest of them, at 22.
But Djokovic and Nadal will return to the Masters winners’ circle on Sunday, having survived some stern checks throughout their earlier rounds in Rome.
“It’s great to play him again in the final,” Djokovic mentioned of the 20-times main winner. “He’s the man that I’ve encountered essentially the most in my profession. Definitely my greatest rival of all time.
“Playing him on clay in the finals of one of the biggest tournaments in the world is always extra motivating for me. Even after all we have been through in our careers, there’s still this excitement when we have to face each other.”