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‘There Will Be New Heroes’: Daniil Medvedev Talks About The Departure of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal
2021 has been a phenomenal year for Russian star Daniil Medvedev. Not only did the 25-year-old become the World No. 2 in March, but he also won his first Grand Slam title this year, the US Open. Furthermore, the star was crucial in propelling the Russian team forward in their ATP and Davis Cup victories.
As a result, he won the Russian Athlete of the Year title for the third year in a row. Over a hundred columnists and journalists of Russian daily Sports Express voted for Medvedev to have the title.
Daniil Medvedev talks about tennis after Roger Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal
Daniil Medvedev, in his exclusive interview with the publication, says that all his seasons have been special. Not only did he add to his accolades, but he also gained invaluable experiences every year. However, because of his US Open victory over World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, 2021 has been the most memorable.
Sep 12, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Daniil Medvedev of Russia celebrates with the championship trophy after his match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia (not pictured) in the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Medvedev was then asked if the inevitable departure of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic will affect tennis adversely. There are many who believe that tennis will lose some of its attractiveness when the three giants retire. “The departure of the Big Three, when that happens, will be a big deal,” he replied.
Third year in a row, Daniil Medvedev named Russia’s Athlete of the year by ‘Sport-Express’ daily. https://t.co/6KsIOGUm8m
— Oleg S. (@AnnaK_4ever) December 24, 2021
Furthermore, he talks about their age and the form they have retained. “They are not getting younger, but they are still playing very strong, winning Grand Slam tournaments.”
However, Daniil remains confident that the popularity of tennis will only grow. He cited the sport’s history, saying that when Boris Becker and Ivan Lendl retired, people were worried, but Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi stepped up to take their place.
Medvedev is confident in the arrival of new champions
Medvedev firmly believes that new champions of the sport will arrive after the Big Three retire. Looking at history as an example, he said, “New great champions always came, and tennis became more and more popular.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 08. (R-L) Alexander Zverev of Germany, Dominic Thiem of Austria, Matteo Berrettini of Italy. Novak Djokovic of Serbia, Daniil Medvedev of Russia. Roger Federer of Switzerland, Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece and Rafael Nadal of Spain pose for a selfie on a boat on The River Thames during previews for the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena on November 08, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Then, he lauded the trio for their achievements. However, he remains confident that tennis will continue growing in popularity.
“Of course, Roger, Novak, and Rafa have broken every record imaginable and unthinkable. But I am sure that after their departure there will be new heroes who will make people fall in love with tennis,” Daniil said confidently.
(Quotes have been translated using Google Translate)
Do you share Daniil’s optimism about Tennis after the Big Three? Let us know in the comments.
DIVE DEEPER: Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic Don’t Have a Rivalry, Says Former Wimbledon Champion
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