Toni Nadal has suggested that standards in men’s tennis have taken a dip in the absence of his nephew Rafael Nadal, however, his thoughts on the quality of men’s tour have been rejected by the 23-time GS champion Novak Djokovic.
The claims made by the veteran coach and uncle of Rafael Nadal made some headlines when he said that the quality of men’s game has experienced a slump in the recent years.
While giving an interview to El Pais, Toni made some statements that caused stir in the current tennis order.
“We have placed Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz as the two leaders of yesteryear and today,” he said.
“The rest of the panorama that has been revealed to us has given a fairly clear advantage in favour of those of the previous decade.
“The top tennis players of a few years ago were better than those of today. I think that it is most likely so.
“That before the players were noticeably better and much more competitive than those of the present moment.”
He even opted to suggest that this wrong side of 30 version of Djokovic cannot be compared to his prime being.
“The current Djokovic is well below that of five or ten years ago,” he added.
“Without a doubt, Nadal would surpass (Daniil) Medvedev, (Andy) Murray would be better than (Alexander) Zverev, and (Stan) Wawrinka better than (Casper) Ruud.
“Juan Martin Del Potro would also beat (Andrey) Rublev, and (David) Ferrer the same with (Holger) Rune.
“I am surprised by the general lack of consistency and regularity. With the exception of Djokovic and Alcaraz, the level offered by the majority is disappointing.”
This blanket negation of current Djokovic form sparked a debate among the fans who have already feasted on an exciting 2023 season in a year which was devoid of Federer and Nadal and was mostly led by young stars and particularly the Spanish prodigy Alcaraz.
When asked about the Nadal’s comments, Djokovic dismissed the assessment of the former and was quick to strike down the claims of the top coach.
“I don’t agree with that because each generation has a group of great players who lead,” said the Serbian.
“Now there are (Jannik) Sinner, Rune and Alcaraz. They are dominating most tournaments in the last two years.
“The way Carlos plays, how he defends, how he attacks… It is very complete. Alcaraz would have won the same thing 10 or 15 years ago.
“Each generation has its own champions. Tennis has changed and evolved.”
When asked could a decade younger Serbian be compared with the current version, he responded: “What is certain is that it would be a great battle.
“Of course I had more energy and mobility, but now I have more experience and I am much stronger mentally.
“With my team, I try to be better every year because it is the only way to face today’s young people to win the Grand Slam.”
To conclude, this is a question that does not have a definitive answer and would most probably draw an answer in 2024. As for now, the 3-time US Open Champion is set to move two clear of Rafael Nadal in the all-time list of major winner by bagging another crown at the New York major.