Boris Becker, the former world No. 1, believes Rafael Nadal’s opinion should be respected, but respectfully disagrees with the Spaniard on his concern for tennis’ future.
Nadal is concerned that the game is becoming increasingly faster each year, and that this will have a significant negative impact on the game.
“In the past, talent and tactics were much more relevant than they are today,” Nadal said as per reports on Eurosport.
“Tennis is faster and faster and I’m not convinced it’s the right way.
“If a solution is not found soon, there is a risk that tennis will become hostage to that single shot. I think the situation will get worse in the next 10 years.”
Why is Nadal wrong?
“When Rafael Nadal speaks about tennis, we first have to shut up and listen,” six-time Slam winner Becker told Eurosport.
“There is not much better than Nadal.
“But I can already see a variety – whether it is Stefanos Tsitsipas, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz.
“They’re all different players, so I can’t quite understand the argument that he’s worried.
“I don’t think it’s so tragic, I like the young players.”
Becker claimed a few days ago that world No. 1 Novak Djokovic was having trouble dealing with his loss in the US Open final.
Djokovic was unable to capture a record 21st Grand Slam title and become the first player to win all four Grand Slams in the same year since 1969.
“Novak is still digesting the tremendous opportunity he could not take advantage of in the last US Open,” said the German.
“It became a major emotional problem for him, things did not go as expected.”
Djokovic is set to return to action at the Paris Masters.
“I hope he plays again soon. I think he will see everything more clearly again once he gets back into dynamics, plays tournaments and wins matches again,” Becker added.
Read More: Boris Becker speaks about Novak Djokovic mental pressure – “Never seen him break down like that”