How the “Next Generation” Failed Tennis Fans
Before Carlos Alcaraz (but after the emergence and dominance of the Big Three), there were players that were hailed as the “next generation” of professional tennis. Fans saw them as the future champions of the game. We have been wrong so far.
In my opinion, being a champion of the game requires two traits: dominance and the ability to be a role model. None of the players on this list have been able to obtain both of these characteristics. Here is a comprehensive guide to how these players have been underwhelming.
Alexander Zverev: choking in Slams, Acapulco umpire incident, questionable allegations
Zverev was, at one point, tennis’ “golden boy.” That was before he smashed an umpire’s chair in a fit of rage during a doubles match – very shortly after an ex-girlfriend of his accused him of domestic abuse. He also (less notably) has beaten one top-10 player ever in any Grand Slam event. Regardless of the validity of the accusations against him, he is a poor role model.
Stefanos Tsitsipas: cheating (in multiple ways), bad on-court behavior, awful Twitter account
Stefanos Tsitsipas frustrates me; he has great potential but a poor attitude. He is notorious for taking “bathroom breaks” to stall his opponent’s momentum (and allegedly text his father/coach). He gets furious on-court (see: Wimbledon 2022 vs. Kyrgios – absolute madness.) These traits are not representative of a role model for young players to admire. As a bonus, his Twitter account is full of stolen “inspirational quotes.”
Daniil Medvedev: lack of dominance, unorthodox playstyle
Medvedev is the least notable offender on this list. He has won a Grand Slam and made a final in the immediate following major and has been World Number One; he has also played very underwhelmingly ever since. His style of tennis is also not the most reproducible for younger players – it is effective for his 6’6’’ frame, but his forehand’s technique and deep returning stance may not be the best strategy to imitate. Overall, he is not the worst player to look up to, but he is simply not dominant or a good model of modern tennis technique.
Dominic Thiem: injury layover
Personally, I love Dominic Thiem. I think if he had not sustained a near-career-ending wrist injury, this piece would not have been written. Alas, he has struggled to find his groove after returning to the tour. He is a Grand Slam champion, but he may never reach the dominant level he was certainly capable of before his injury. His career is a tragedy, and his injury is not his fault. Circumstance ruined what may have been an incredible career.
Nick Kyrgios: Bad on-court behavior
Kyrgios’ play can be masterful at times. That statement does not account for his occasionally villainous on-court behavior. See: Indian Wells 2022, when he threw a racquet at the ground and nearly hit a ball kid in the face with it, Wimbledon 2022, when he screamed at his box for the majority of the final, and several other occasions of racquet-smashing and audible/visual obscenities. Being a natural talent doesn’t excuse nasty behavior, as evidenced by the several natural talents tennis has seen before and after Kyrgios.
The “Next Gen era” was a confusing time for tennis, as there was never a specific point where the Next Gen solidified itself as a force. With Carlos Alcaraz winning his first major, Casper Ruud making Slam finals, Jannik Sinner going deep in majors on all surfaces, and more talent inevitably on the way, we may never see this generation of players become the dominant group many envisioned them becoming. Arriving during the dominance of the Big Three, they were always left with big shoes to fill; it just seems like they may never have the chance to do so before younger players step in first.