Novak Djokovic says era of the big three dominating is over, adding ‘tennis needs more champions’

Novak Djokovic believes a changing of the guard is ‘happening already’ as he attempts to hold off Dominic Thiem’s surge.

The ATP Tour has been bossed by Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Djokovic for the last 16 years, with only really Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka able to make a dent in their dominance.

Thiem himself has lost two Grand Slam finals – both to Nadal – but looks the most ready, along with Daniil Medvedev – to make a major breakthrough.

Djokovic, though, believes the era of dominance that the big three have enjoyed is already over.

“Why not? I mean, it’s good for our sport,” Djokovic said ahead of his match against Thiem. “Of course we need more champions.”

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“Dominic has been there [in a Grand Slam final] a couple times.

“The younger players now coming up and challenging us oldies to get to the Grand Slam finals – it’s happening already.

“I think it’s good for sport…it’s going to happen. Whether it’s this year we’re going to have a new Grand Slam champion or next year, but it’s very soon.”

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