Speaking generally, people don’t like change. Over the past 22 years the sporting world has been spoiled by the gladiatorial efforts of the Big 3. You know, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
This all-consuming triumvirate has dominated men’s tennis in the 21st century. So much so that at least one of them lifted a Grand Slam title every season since the beginning of 2003. To emphasize their longevity, the Grand Slam champions that year were Andre Agassi, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Federer and Andy Roddick. Within those 22 seasons they have lifted 66 of the 86 majors available.
That run is officially over; times are changing.
The Big 3 era just won't be repeated again. The aura of that trio defeated many opponents during the walkout and warm-up, let alone between the white lines of the court. Now, there are players at every turn of a major ready to make their mark, eager to scribe their name into the Grand Slam Roll of Honor with a genuine grit.
Take Alexei Popyrin. The towering Australian–ranked then down at No. 62–gained some immense momentum in Montreal earlier this month to blaze past five Top 20 opponents en route to a maiden Masters 1000 trophy.
Some would say it came from nowhere, but Popyrin is a talent who has been incrementally building his game for the major stage. More importantly it's been a case of enhancing his mental fortitude.
"For me the most important part was to take that confidence from Montreal and bring it into this week, but not only this week but hopefully for years to come," claimed the 25-year-old Sydneysider. "All these Top-10 players, Top-5 players, they play on this confidence all the time, and they steadily build on it. That's kind of what I want to do and hopefully I can."
Popyrin was an absolute “show-popper” to overpower defending champion Djokovic over four sets on Friday night. Check the highlights, it was mightily impressive, everything that makes a US Open night session one of the hottest tickets in sport.
To emphasize the switch in mentality from the chasing pack, Popyrin added, "For me, winning Montreal was way bigger than today, just because it's a Masters 1000 title. That felt unbelievable. Today was something that I kind of thought I could do, you know?"
Djokovic and Popyrin had collided in four set triumphs for the 24-time major winner at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2024. Popyrin then plotted his revenge.
"My two experiences against him earlier this year gave me the confidence to go out there tonight and believe that I could win and actually do it and believe it," continued Popyrin. "So when I did it, it felt that kind of proved me right."
Rewind to Thursday evening and 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz, who had lifted the past two majors, was sent packing in straight sets by Botic van de Zandschulp.
Again, here's the Popyrin mentality.
"I woke up this morning and showed my girlfriend straightaway in shock. It was crazy," stated the assured Australian. "Results like that happen. I thought to myself, 'why not me today?'"
The likes of Popyrin will claim they'll compete “match by match,” but without Djokovic or Alcaraz in the draw, there is an opening for other names to steal away the spotlight.
"Results like that happen. I thought to myself, 'Why not me today?'"
"It's tough. Look, the margins are so tight. The depth in the game is incredible right now. Obviously you saw what happened to Carlos, just not sharp, he's going to lose," said Frances Tiafoe. "No one is light years better than anybody else, even Carlos, Sinner, these guys that are winning, Medvedev, win so much. If you're not sharp and bringing your ability that we all know you can, you're probably going to lose. This is just a fact of the matter. Guys are really good."
What is the current landscape looking like? Of course, world No. 1 and top seed Jannik Sinner will have his say, if not in New York, for many years to come on the major stage with Alcaraz. Tiafoe–Popyrin's next opponent–gained US Open revenge on fellow American Ben Shelton in a five-set thriller. Both have the Box Office games to win big, US Open 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev and other Top 10-seeded stars such as Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov continue to press.
It's more than likely you've heard of these names or seen one of their hot shots on social media. Well, get to know the likes of Czech Jakub Mensik, Brit Jack Draper, Italy's Flavio Cobolli, head-turning talents who are vying for second week spots at Flushing Meadows. Within this blend of established names, leading lights and soaring prodigies, there is a plethora of personalities and backgrounds.
The Big 3 banner no longer hangs over men’s tennis–this absolutely does not write off Djokovic, everyone knows what a mistake that is–but times are changing and it's exciting. Just watch the US Open and you’ll see.
