The Big 3—Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer—have combined to capture 13 consecutive Grand Slam titles.
World No. 1 Djokovic, the lone member of the iconic trio playing the Western & Southern Open and US Open this month, says when it comes to quality the Big 3 have company.
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Djokovic says the Next 4—Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev—are already as good as the Big 3.
"Whether I have a bigger chance to win it because Roger and Rafa are not here, I really don't know," Djokovic said of his US Open prospects. "I think it's unfair for me to talk about. That in a way is kind of disrespectful towards other players who are here.
"I mean, Dominic Thiem, Zverev, Tsitsipas, Medvedev, these guys, they are as good as the top three guys, myself, Roger, Rafa. Anybody can take it, to be honest."
Defending champion Djokovic survived a storm of shot-making from Thiem and mid-match dizziness fighting back for a 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 triumph in a gripping Australian Open final to capture his 17th career Grand Slam championship in February.
The top-seeded Serbian carries a perfect 18-0 record on the season into New York. Though Djokovic is a strong favorite for the US Open, which starts on August 31st, he suggests the sport's five-month sabbatical due to Coronavirus, combined with the fact no fans are permitted at either tournament, could be a great equalizer.
"Especially now after six months of absence from the tour, we don't really know how we are going to feel on the court," Djokovic said. "We are going to have Cincinnati, which is great, have the tournament before US Open. But it's still six months without competition, best of five.
"You can't get your towel from the ball kid. That's going to extend the time between the point. That's going to extend the time of the matches."
Photo credit: Adria Tour