'It will be tough when Roger Federer, Nadal, Djokovic...', says American ace

• Tennis News
• Roger Federer

Since the introduction of the ATP ranking in August 1973 there have been a total of 26 players who have managed to be number one on the men's circuit. The first was Ilie Nastase, going through other names like Björn Borg, to the Spanish Carlos Moyá, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Rafael Nadal.

Of all of them, one stands out from today above the others. This is Novak Djokovic, brand new champion of the last Australian Open and who reaches 311 weeks of domination, one more than Roger Federer. The Swiss had established that record on June 24, 2018.

Djokovic has an income of 2,180 points with respect to Rafael Nadal, the most immediate pursuer of him and who was erased from the Rotterdam and Acapulco tournaments from behind. His reappearance is expected in Miami and he is already exercising on a hard surface at his academy in Manacor.

The new scoring system, as a consequence of the pandemic, benefits Nole's leadership. And it is that until the week of August 9 they will count 50 percent of the points of the best results between March 4, 2019 and that date in the events that could not be disputed last season due to the stoppage because of the coronavirus.

In this way, for example, he will keep at least 1,000 of those harvested for the 2019 Wimbledon crown. USA's Frances Tiafoe recently shared his thoughts on how the Next Gen could displace the 'Big 3' - Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer - from the top echelons of the sport.

Speaking to Argentina's leading sports daily Ole, Tiafoe assured that the youngsters will be able to bridge the gap between themselves and the famed trio in a few years.

Tiafoe pays tribute to the Big 3

"In a little while we will defeat Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic," Frances Tiafoe said.

"In the top 10 there are five young people, many add tournaments, others are already playing games and putting them on the ropes." During the interview, Frances Tiafoe also highlighted the current rivalry between Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for the 'undisputed greatest' status, insisting that tennis fans will miss the trio dearly once they hang up their racquets.

"However, this moment is unique. We are not going to witness another with three players who play so well and dominate for so long. It will be tough when they retire," Tiafoe admitted. The trio of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have monopolized the Grand Slams for well over a decade, and continue to dominate even when they're past their peak.

And while there are several Next Gen players on the tour who are impressive, none of them have been able to deliver on the big stage.