Andre Agassi says next gen can’t show too much respect to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic

The likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem are “knocking on the door” at Grand Slams and realising they can’t afford to respect the Big Three too much, according to Andre Agassi.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have dominated tennis for nearly two decades as they have shared 58 majors since Federer won his first Slam in 2003.
However, there have been signs that the next generation is ready to take over as Thiem broke the younger brigade’s major duck when he won the US Open in 2020.
Medvedev has also challenged as he finished runner-up at the 2019 US Open final and the 2021 Australian Open final.
WATCH: The amazing story of how Andre Agassi read Boris Becker’s serve by watching his tongue
Eight-time Grand Slam winner and former world No 1 Agassi says now that the younger players have had a taste of things, they need to push themselves to the top level.
“The next generation is on its way,” Agassi told the Beer Biceps YouTube podcast. “You see them with Tsitsipas winning Monte Carlo, you look at Medvedev pushing, knocking on the door of all these Slams.
“You look at Zverev, you look at Thiem. I mean, these guys, I think they realise now that they can’t afford to respect the [Big Three] as much as they have been.
“They need to start owning it then pushing themselves to that next level. It’s a tough task, I don’t know when that’s gonna happen… but I do believe we’re in the process of seeing some of those new generation players pushing into the top.”
When asked what it takes to push to the next level, Agassi explained how the likes of Jim Courier, Pete Sampras and Michael Chang “charged right through” and won a major before he did.
He said: “You have to believe, I’ll give you an example.
“I turned pro at 16, and I broke into the top three in the world in two years when I was 18 years old. I didn’t win a Slam until I was 22.
“Courier, Sampras and Chang, because they saw I [reached the top-3] they just charged right through and won a Grand Slam before I did.
“Even though it seemed like they were years behind me in the evolution of our careers.
“Once somebody shows that it’s not Herculean, you can actually do it, and people start believing it, then you’ll see a locomotive train just pushing in that direction. But you have to believe it.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
US Open
Serena Williams retirement: Greg Rusedski not discounting ‘box office’ Serena to retire on a high at US Open
Serena Williams to bow out on a high by winning the US Open?
-
News
Serena Williams retirement: Tennis might never see such a remarkable icon ever again
The remarkable career of Serena Williams is drawing to a close.
-
WTA Tour
Serena Williams’ greatest milestones as she prepares to bid farewell: Open Era Grand Slam record, prize money
Serena Williams has had quite a career.
-
WTA Tour
Serena Williams confirms will retire after US Open, but doesn’t want any ‘ceremonial, final on-court moment’
Time to shed a tear or two, the great Serena Wiliams is to retire after the US Open.
-
WTA Tour
WATCH: Serena Williams wins superb rally, says she went into ‘mom mode’ after spotting daughter in the crowd
Serena Williams wins incredible shot after brilliant defensive work – and her daughter was there to see it.
-
ATP Tour
Alexander Zverev gives positive injury update, but withdraws from Cincy with US Open also in doubt
A fitness update from Alexander Zverev.
-
News
LTA’s first pro padel event in Great Britain a major success as Tia Norton and Carla Fito Fernandez win big
Congratulations to Tia Norton and Carla Fito Fernandez as well as Bram Meijer and Sten Richters.
-
Tennis News
WATCH: Roger Federer keeps his promise to young fan in awe-inspiring video
If this video from Roger Federer and Zizou doesn’t make you smile today, then nothing will.
-
ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev shrugs off playing under neutral flag: ‘I’m still Daniil Medvedev. I still want to win big titles’
Daniil Medvedev has moved on from the Wimbledon ban.
-
WTA Tour
Leylah Fernandez keeps her emotions in check to claim comeback win to say ‘thank you’ to family and friends
A first-ever Canadian Open win for Leylah Fernandez.