With Champions Departing It Is Time For The Next Stars To Shine

| by Jake Davies

As legends of the past choose to move on from the sport, the impetus is on the next generation of stars to take every opportunity that comes their way on and off the court.

Just last year, Roger Federer and Serena Williams made the tough decision to hang up their racquet, and the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal arguably have limited time left at the highest level, so the conversation naturally turns to the future of tennis and what that looks like.

The Big 3 of Djokovic, Federer and Nadal largely dominated the biggest prizes and sponsorships in the men's game inside the last two decades, and Serena Williams swept up 23 Grand Slam titles, so now the door is being left ajar for players to step up.

Swiatek Holds Top Spot Ahead Of Sabalenka In Latest WTA Rankings
Swiatek Holds Top Spot Ahead Of Sabalenka In Latest WTA Rankings

Swiatek has largely done just that by winning four Grand Slam titles at the age of just 22 and has fast become one of the more dominant female players in recent memory. While on the men's side, the arrival of Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner suggests the time has arrived for the passing of the torch, and the time for others to compete for the biggest trophies on offer. Rune shed some light on how opportunistic he has to be moving forward:

"For sure it is not the worst time to be in tennis."

Forbes' list that details the top earners in tennis inside the last 12 months reveals that eight of the tennis active players are actually under the age of 30.

This indicates the interest and drive for a new star is definitely there, but it goes without saying that taking care of business on the court has to come first, and the rest, ultimately, will take care of itself off the court. It is now up to them to fill the void left by those great champions.

Alcaraz & Rune To Become First Two 20-Year-Olds In ATP Top 4 Since 1992
Alcaraz & Rune To Become First Two 20-Year-Olds In ATP Top 4 Since 1992

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