Are you aware that no male player born in the 90s has won a Grand Slam by October 2018? Surprising, yes, but true. At the present time, names like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic continue to dominate the world of male tennis.

This might back the assumption that tennis players hit their peak at later dates than players of other sports. That is not entirely true. Most popular tennis stars were able to pick their maiden Grand Slam win before they clocked 25. Of all current stars, the only one who picked his first Grand Slam crown past the age of 25 in Switzerland is Stan Warwinka, Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer were able to earn that badge before their 22nd birthday.

So, what is happening in the world of men’s tennis? Some say the current crop of youngsters is either not as talented or as passionate as their predecessors. Others opine that Nadal and co. were extraordinarily talented and have thus continued to dominate the scene into their 30s. Another group thinks better training and diet has allowed the older generation to remain at the top for longer; they are now using experience to keep out the youngsters.

Whichever way you look at it, the present crop of male tennis young stars has a big challenge on their court. Three players need to lead the charge to oust the old guns: Austrian Dominic Thiem, German Alexander Zverev, and Australian Nick Kyrgios. The trio have each showed intent to overtake at one point or another but are yet to make it a reality.

This stat could have been different had Thiem trounced Nadal at the French open final in May 2018, but the King of Clay just wasn’t about that life- at least not on that day. The lads have to regroup!