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NOVAK DJOKOVIC Wimbledon 2021

‘Djokovic is the last man standing from the Big Four’, says Boris Becker


Boris Becker believes world number one Novak Djokovic is “the last man standing” from the ‘Big Four’ of men’s tennis.

The six-time Grand Slam champion also thinks that “the changing of the guard really is upon us” on the ATP tour.

Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray were often referred to as the ‘Big Four’ due to their immense success over a lengthy period.

Since ending a two-year major drought at Wimbledon in 2018 – Djokovic has won eight of the last 12 Grand Slam events played.

“One constant is that Djokovic is the last man standing from what we used to know as the Big Four,” the German wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.

“The other three – Andy Murray was once put in that bracket – have lots to contemplate, and the changing of the guard really is upon us.

“In the case of Andy, if I was him I would be looking to play as much as I can until Christmas and then take stock. Only when he gets a run of consistent tournaments can he know properly where he is at.

“You do not get a proper idea playing practice sets and the one way to find out is through matches, assuming his body allows him. By the end of the season he should know whether he wants to continue.

“While it is sort of melancholy watching the great champions fade it is also exciting seeing the younger players blossom. One thing for sure is that is part of the natural process and you cannot avoid it, no matter what your name is.”


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.