Beyond Dominance: What Sets Era-Defining Tennis Players Apart- Republic World

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer | Image:AP

In the vast tapestry of tennis history, there are players who dominate the game, and then there are those who define an era. These luminaries transcend mere excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and shaping its trajectory for generations to come. But what sets these elite few apart from their peers? What elevates them to a realm of greatness that few can reach?

At the heart of their distinction lies a combination of unparalleled skill, unwavering determination, and an insatiable hunger for success. These players possess a rare blend of talent and tenacity, honed through years of relentless practice and unwavering commitment to their craft. They possess an innate ability to rise to the occasion, delivering their best performances when it matters most.

Moreover, era-defining players possess a deep understanding of the mental aspect of the game. They exhibit unwavering focus and composure under pressure, navigating the ebbs and flows of a match with grace and resilience. Their ability to stay calm and composed in the face of adversity sets them apart from the rest, enabling them to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious in the most challenging of circumstances.

To further dwell on the subject, we tried to get some expert insights on the topic and hit the jackpot. Ahead of the start of the French Open 2024 republicworld.com attended a round table conference where former India tennis player Somdev Devvarman took the onus to answer the questions to the media. We asked Somdev the same question. he addressed it and gave an elaborative answer by referencing the greats of the game, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.

“It’s one of the biggest challenges out there. It is a completely different ball game from playing a regular tour event match specially in men’s because it’s 3 out of 5 sets so the number of momentum shifts, decisions you have to make, changes in strategy, dealing with the ups and the downs or losing a 7-6, finding a way to bounce back or winning a 7-6 and finding a way to capitalise, extend the lead there are so many things that happen. Not to mention the length of the match the physicality of the game right now. I feel like you know at the end of a 5-set match, so exhausted emotionally more than anything else and what’s amazing about , and you know this is something about, i’ve experienced but obviously the best players in the world experience it all the time and you see this so often from these top guys is when they get to the quarters, when they get to the semis, you almost feel like the tournament has begun. With Novak you felt that for a long time, with Rafa 14 times at Roland Garros and bunch of other times too made deep runs and you know same with Roger but I feel like for the other players by the time you get to the quarters you just so exhausted. I remember Novak playing Tommy Paul one time and Tommy Paul was just so gassed. They put everything on the court, given his best. Ben Shelton last time, same thing. By the time, they get to that situation, Tsitsipas in the finals of the French Open, these guys feel like they are almost over the line and then they just don’t have that energy for the final push because they know that Novak is not going to give it to them easy and Medvedev knows that Rafa is not going to give him an easy break in that Australian Open match, which Rafa won from two sets to love down. So, I feel like having that reserve in you when nobody really knows if it is there is like finding magic and then to do it over a period of pretty much your entire career that’s what sets these guys apart. They improved at little things throughout their career and they continue to find moments of brilliance and give themselves a chance to win the biggest events. So, It’s just magic to have witnessed time and time and time again, that nobody in the history of our sport in the men’s game has done it like these three, and it’s just a privilege to have witnessed.”

*Watch Roland Garros 2024 from 26th May 2024, 2:30 PM IST onwards, LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu).