NOVAK DJOKOVIC expects the Next Generation to overtake the Big Three this year.
The Serb, 32, is the reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion while world No.1 Rafa Nadal holds the French and US Open crowns.
Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer have won 54 of the past 64 Grand Slams.
So far Next Gen stars such as Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Dominic Thiem have yet to win a major singles title.
But Djokovic believes that will all change at the start of this new decade.
The world No.2, who plays German Jan-Lennard Struff on Monday, said: Theyre very, very close. Theyre literally one set away.
On a given day, in the very near future, I think that can happen. Its going to happen. Its inevitable.
Idont think thats miles, miles away maybe as it was some years ago. I think they are definitely hungry. Theyre challenging. Theyre knocking on the door.
They are notmissing too much. They possess very powerful games that require a lot of skills, and they have those skills.
They have put in the hours and dedicated themselves on and off the court.
Rafa, Roger and I, obviously because of the past 10, 15 years, we know what we need to do mentally. That gives us probably a little bit of an edge.
Djokovic says he was concerned and sad when players were collapsing and complaining about smog last week.
Event organisers have been criticised for holding qualifiers when conditions made it hard for some stars to breathe.
He said: I was concerned those several days where Melbourne was the most polluted city in the world that day. It was sad to see some players collapsing and ball kids collapsing on the court.
ButI had faith in Melbourne, the four seasons city as they call it, that changes the weather very quickly.
A lot of rain one night and wind as well which cleared out the skies. Last three days has been really good, fresh air, it’s like nothing happened.
Whether thats going to stay or not, we dont know. The fires are still on-going.
We hope not for the sake of I guess well-being and health of all the players.
Also this tournament obviously would have lots of troubles if they have to cancel matches.
Luckily they have three closed courts with the roof. Lets hope that the worst is behind us.
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