Holger Rune sees himself as part of the next ATP “Big Three”…. “We [Sinner, Alcaraz, Rune] cannot compare ourselves at all yet to Novak, Rafa and Roger. But the fact people are starting to talk about the next Big 3 is exciting. It’s what makes tennis bigger, exciting. Rivalries are very important. It’s interesting to have all characters, that’s why hopefully they’ll be calling us the next big 3.”
Andrey Rublev lost today to a player who has never won an ATP World Tour match before today. Before this week the last four results by Francisco Comesana of Argentina were: Retirement against Lucas Pouille… straight-sets loss to Bernabe Zapata Miralles… straight-sets loss to Marco Cecchinato… straight-sets loss to Charlie Broom.
Three weeks after a knee surgery, wearing a brace on his right knee, 7 time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic, age 37, ousted Vit Kopriva today 61 62 62.
Ronnie O’Sullivan on Novak Djokovic: “For me he will be the king of all. It doesn’t matter if you’re a footballer, golfer or hockey player – everyone looks at Djokovic. He is one of the greatest athletes of all time. He’s phenomenal… I wish I could do at the table what Djokovic does on the court. The life of a tennis pro is tough. But when you’re at the top…the places they play are amazing.”
Novak quotes: “I’ve been fortunate comparing myself to other 37 year olds. I had injuries like anybody else but they come and go. It’s part of what you do. You just have to accept it and embrace it. I think Nick Kyrgios is in the commentary box. He’s been struggling a lot with injuries. Talking about major injuries he’s had a few. I’ve been very fortunate to not be away from tennis for long. As an athlete I empathize with Nick and anyone who’s struggling. You almost feel helpless at times that something isn’t allowing you to come back to what you love most and you’re unable to do your profession for years.”