The rising power of the generation set to make an era

Tennis players born in the 21st century show a potential tending towards significant dominance over generations that have already seen their great opportunities pass by.

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 18 Mar 2025 | 22.22
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Golden Generation Born in the 21st Century. Photo: gettyimages
Golden Generation Born in the 21st Century. Photo: gettyimages

Good times are approaching for the world of tennis, with a roster of young players brimming with potential, competitive spirit, and personality. Out of the current ATP ranking's top 35, a total of 15 have been born in the 21st century, posing a serious threat to the generation of late 20th-century tennis players who may have already seen their prime years.

They were introduced as the generation expected to dethrone the Big 3 from glory and a term was coined to boost their brand image. Players like Zverev, Rublev, Tsitsipas, Ruud, De Miñaur, Fritz, Paul, Tiafoe, Khachanov, Hurkacz, or Berrettini have experienced moments of glory, clinching significant titles, and being protagonists in major events for years. While some fell short and did not meet expectations, they all bear a permanent Sword of Damocles, as they couldn't assert their authority over eminent veterans.

- The late 20th-century generation is under serious threat from the new talents

As the Big 3 and the generation that competed against them are gradually fading, it seemed like a perfect moment for all these players. However, new generations of players with even more potential and charisma than they displayed at a similar age are emerging. Only Daniil Medvedev managed to reach the pinnacle with a Grand Slam title and the world number 1 spot, creating a sense that emulating such achievement will be tough for the Russian and even harder for his peers to taste the fruits of tennis paradise.

It's not only Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz who will pose significant obstacles to the maturity process of the aforementioned generation in their pursuit of major titles. It is clear that the skills of the Italian and Spanish players surpasses others and appear destined to leave a mark on the sport, but those who should challenge them throughout their careers exhibit a playing level and potential that sends shivers down the ATP circuit.

- Players with diverse styles are already standing out and seem to have a higher ceiling than the previous generation

Jack Draper, Holger Rune, and Ben Shelton possess all the requirements to make a strong bid for winning a Grand Slam, while Lorenzo Musetti and Arthur Fils could establish themselves as modern clay-court specialists contending for significant titles on this surface without underestimating their potential on hard courts. The Czechs, Tomas Machac, Jiri Lehecka, and Jakub Mensik, could bring glory to their country, a server like Giovanni Mpetshi-Perricard will bring variety to the game, American tennis is excited about Learner Tien, Brandon Nakashima, and Alex Michelsen, and a talent like Félix Auger-Aliassime should not be discounted.

- Fonseca suggests the formation of a new Big 3 with Alcaraz and Sinner, yet many other players are showcasing a high level

As if all these candidates were not enough to disrupt the paths of Alcaraz and Sinner, questioning the coexistence of two great empires, the emergence of Joao Fonseca adds another layer of intrigue. It's early days, but the talents displayed by the 18-year-old Brazilian send chills down the spine and prompt thoughts about the formation of a new Big 3. Considering all this, what can be expected from players born in the final stretch of the 20th century who will face their mature years in the next five years? The answer may be worrisome for all of them.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El poder al alza de la generación llamada a marcar una época