Rafael Nadal signing autographs during the launch of the new branch of his 'Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy' in Kuwait. (Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal has claimed that Australian Open runner-up Dominic Thiem cannot be considered as part of the next generation of budding tennis stars during the launch of the new branch of his ‘Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy’ in Kuwait.
Nadal was answering questions posed to him during an interview with Spanish media outlet Marca when the Spaniard was asked a question regarding the ‘Next Gen’ players.
“Obviously, in the ‘Next Gen’ there are many good, young players, and in the semi-finals, there has been one, which is (German Alexander) Zverev, because Thiem can no longer be considered ‘Next Gen’,” Nadal replied.
Nadal’s curt reply prompted another question, who wanted more clarity on why Thiem cannot be considered as a ‘Next Gen’ player.
“Well, he is already 26 years old (laughs). He is not 20, nor 21 and, of course, there are many good players who are at a high level and who will have their chances in the coming months,” he answered.
Former US tennis player and legend of the game John McEnroe was of the opinion that the next generation of budding tennis stars do not have the mentality to win Grand Slams yet.
He also added that the reason that they were underperforming was due to the ‘Big Three’, which includes 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer, 19-time winner Rafael Nadal and 17-time winner Novak Djokovic respectively.
“You look at a guy like Rafael Nadal… and the guy brings it every point. I don’t see those other players on point in a game in basis bringing it on every point and you’ve got to,” McEnroe said.
“These guys are the three greatest players who ever lived and that’s the other part that’s a problem: they’re better than the other guys. That’s the part you can’t escape: these guys are unbelievable champions.”
