Former US Open runner-up Greg Rusedski has backed 19-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer to overtake current World No. 1 Rafael Nadal to become the top ranked player in the world in 2018.
Rusedski, a former World No. 4 was in conversation with Express Sport. The former British No. 1 also claimed that both Nadal and Federer will remain the men to beat in 2018. In his opinion, the two superstars are playing great tennis now and it will be exceptionally difficult to dislodge them from their perch.
The young brigade led by World No. 3 Alexander Zverev is undoubtedly rising fast, but they will still need more time to challenge the duo at the Grand Slams. However, Rusedski had good things to say about 12-time Major winner Novak Djokovic. The 44-year-old left-hander claimed that the Serbian will soon be seen challenging Federer and Nadal for the biggest titles in the sport.
“The change of the guard will happen in two years’ time, “ Rusedski said.
“I’m expecting Federer and Nadal to still be at the top of men’s tennis in 2018 and hopefully Andy Murray gets healthy again. That’s the big question mark: when is he going to be back? I hope he doesn’t rush it.
“Novak Djokovic is more psychological than his elbow and I think it’s an easier transition to get back. He will be in the mix with Roger and Rafa.”
Rusedski said: “I think Roger could be number one again because he’s had that six months off and he’s had an incredible year.
“To enter 12 events in the year and win seven of them is incredible.
“Rafa has to enter so many events and play back-to-back to stay No 1. I don’t see the gap changing just yet with the new generation but it’s starting to get closer.
“In 2019, that’s when they’ll take over. What Roger has done is incredible, what Rafa’s done is incredible.
“We’ve got Zverev and once Nicky Kyrgios gets his mind together and has a good coach,…
“Then you’ve got Denis Shapovalov, a Canadian, who is exciting but he’s two or three years away from the top of men’s tennis.
“There’s lots of names to look forward to but I think we’re just blessed to have Roger and Rafa playing so well.
“Who’d have picked, after 2016, for Roger and Rafa to be battling for World No 1?”
