2018 could be the year where the younger generation of tennis players starts making their mark in grand slam tournaments, according to Dominic Thiem.
The four major events have been dominated by the sports big four over the past decade. The big four refers to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Since 2007, they have won 40 out of 44 grand slam titles. The only other players to triumph during that period was Juan Martin del Potro once and Stan Wawrinka three times.
Despite the dominance, gaps are emerging for the rising stars of the game to shine through. At the French Open in May, Thiem brushed aside Djokovic to reach the semifinal of the tournament for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev claimed two Masters 1000 titles. The momentum behind the next group of tennis players is building and Thiem believes the new season will be a breakthough for many of them.
“I think we should. We did it already at the Masters 1000s and also other tournaments,” he told reporters in the United Arab Emirates.
“But at the majors, Roger and Rafa were just too strong. This year we just had to accept that. But at one point we have to make the breakthrough and I think 2018 is time for it.”
24-year-old Thiem has already defeated every member of the big four at least once. At the Rome Open, he became the only player this year to defeat Rafael Nadal on the clay. An achievement he describes as his ‘best match of the year.’
“He is by far the best player ever on the surface and I beat him during his peak,” Thiem said.
“It was probably the best match of my year but still, to know that I can beat somebody in his best shape on his best surface, for sure gives me a little bit of confidence.”
Currently there are five players under the age of 26 in the top 10. For those players, staying in that elite group will be tough next year. In what is set to be a year of comebacks, Djokovic, Wawrinka, Murray, Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic will all return from injury. Threatening to quash the bids of their younger rivals who will one day replace them when they retire.
“It’s going to be an exciting year. There are players returning from injuries, but apart from Novak, nobody else will make a comeback like Roger and Rafa.” Said Thiem.
“It’s too tough. I think everybody can look forward to a great and tense start of the season.”
World No.5 Thiem will be taking part in this week’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi ahead of the new season.
