Novak Djokovic: 'I hope that Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and me can...'

• Tennis News
• Roger Federer

The Big 3 have been the benchmarks of the men's circuit for the past 15 years, having monopolized the highlights of the season like no one else in the history of tennis. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal currently share an all-time record of 20 Grand Slams, while Novak Djokovic presses them to 19 after his recent Roland Garros triumph.

As the youngest of the three, many believe that the Serbian star will end his career with the most majors on the board. The Big 3 were also part of the ATP Players Council, with the Swiss and the Spaniard still holding their respective positions.

Nole instead left to form the PTPA, a new association that aims to protect the interests of players at the expense of tournaments. Not surprisingly, this initiative has immediately created friction between the ATP and the same number 1 in the world.

In a press conference during Wimbledon, Nole explained that his goal is to leave a legacy that goes beyond winning on the pitch.

Novak Djokovic on the Big 3

"I hope that us 3 (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic himself) and our generation can inspire other tennis players on and off the court," Djokovic said.

"We 3 have been in the player council: Federer and Nadal still are, I was there for 10 years. This shows our desire to engage on some issues that are not only about hitting the tennis ball, but about other things that are part of our ecosystem off the court as well.

It's something I'd like to see from the younger generation of future leaders of men's tennis." According to the Serb, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev have displayed the necessary qualities in that regard. The 19-time Major champion also believes Stefanos Tsitsipas has good potential given he is "smart and versatile." "Zverev shows that (to care for the sport outside the tennis courts as well) and Medvedev also has these tendencies," said the Serb.

"Tsitsipas is also a very smart guy, very interesting and versatile. I think tennis is in good hands when it comes to next generation." Roger Federer recently got eliminated from the Wimbledon Championships 2021. Facing Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter-finals, he suffered a humiliating defeat as the Polish player crushed him in straight sets.

Interestingly, he even bagel’d the Swiss maestro in the last set, winning the match 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-0. Federer probably missed his last chance of winning a Grand Slam with his exit in the quarters of the Wimbledon Championships 2021. This might even prove to be the last Wimbledon for him as he’ll be 40 next month.