From Berdych to Ferrer, not to mention the legendary “Big 4”.
In 2014, there was a certain aura of invincibility emanating from the world's top 10 players, separating them from the mass of fierce competitors in the top 100.
Pure nostalgia or real superiority, were the members of the top 10 really stronger a decade ago?
Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open 2024, Credit : Hindustan Times
While Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz may have managed to revive the flame of tennis with their sparkling rivalry, the rest of the cast still doesn't seem to convince the already nostalgic fans of the 2010s.
It's been said over and over again, but the 2010s were surely the battleground of the greatest champions ever to play the sport, also known as the “Big3” or “Big 4” for those finally recognizing the true value of Andy Murray.
But what about the others? Let's isolate these 4 monsters for a moment and focus on the fellow members of the 2014 top 10. Was Berdych stronger than Ruud? Would Nishikori have triumphed over Taylor Fritz? Was Del Potro more difficult to handle than Medvedev?
The 2024's best players at the ATP Finals, Credit : IL Messagero
The comparison of eras taking in account the evolution of surfaces and playing styles makes this equation difficult to solve and even if the current top 10 members have respectable statistics, this closed elite seems to have undeniably lost its charm.
Surprise defeats that no longer come as a surprise, playing styles that are increasingly similar, less pronounced characters and players with whom it's probably harder to identify.
Perhaps this new generation isn't less strong, but simply less charismatic and diverse than 10 years ago...
Comments