The Big Three in tennis, such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, have ruled the sport for several years. In recent times, a lot has been said and written about the generational shift waiting to take place with a plethora of young talents -- Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud,&nbsp;Dane Holger Rune, etc. -- looking set to rule the circuit for long.

With Djokovic's quarter-final defeat in the ongoing Italian Open 2023 edition, the Serb feels the 'new generation is here already'. “A new generation is here already,” Djokovic told reporters. “Alcaraz is No. 1 in the world from Monday, obviously he’s playing amazing tennis. I think it’s also good for our sport that we have new faces, new guys coming up," he further opined.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-withdraws-from-french-open-2023-with-injury-concerns-out-for-several-months-593766">Rafael Nadal withdraws from French Open, expects '2024 to be his last year in tennis'</a>

<h2>'I’m personally still trying to hang in there'</h2>

Djokovic asserted, "We’ve been saying this for years that we can expect that moment to come when you have a kind of shift of generations." He further added, "I'm personally still trying to hang in there with all of them. I still have the hunger to keep going. Let’s see how far I’m going to play."

While Federer retired in 2022, Nadal has been out of action due to injury concerns -- also withdrawing from the upcoming French Open 2023 on Thursday (May 18) -- whereas Djokovic has not remained consistent as he was some time back. Thus, there is a far chance that he might be stretched considerably in the forthcoming Roland Garros, commencing on May 22, for the mega title.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Nadal announced his decision to pull out of the French Open due to a hip injury. He will be out for months and also expects 2024 to probably be his last year in professional tennis.

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The Big Three in tennis, such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, have ruled the sport for several years. In recent times, a lot has been said and written about the generational shift waiting to take place with a plethora of young talents -- Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Dane Holger Rune, etc.

The Big Three in tennis, such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, have ruled the sport for several years. In recent times, a lot has been said and written about the generational shift waiting to take place with a plethora of young talents -- Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Dane Holger Rune, etc. -- looking set to rule the circuit for long. With Djokovic's quarter-final defeat in the ongoing Italian Open 2023 edition, the Serb feels the 'new generation is here already'. “A new generation is here already,” Djokovic told reporters. “Alcaraz is No. 1 in the world from Monday, obviously he’s playing amazing tennis. I think it’s also good for our sport that we have new faces, new guys coming up," he further opined. Also Read: Rafael Nadal withdraws from French Open, expects '2024 to be his last year in tennis' 'I’m personally still trying to hang in there' Djokovic asserted, "We’ve been saying this for years that we can expect that moment to come when you have a kind of shift of generations." He further added, "I'm personally still trying to hang in there with all of them. I still have the hunger to keep going. Let’s see how far I’m going to play." While Federer retired in 2022, Nadal has been out of action due to injury concerns -- also withdrawing from the upcoming French Open 2023 on Thursday (May 18) -- whereas Djokovic has not remained consistent as he was some time back. Thus, there is a far chance that he might be stretched considerably in the forthcoming Roland Garros, commencing on May 22, for the mega title. Meanwhile, on Thursday, Nadal announced his decision to pull out of the French Open due to a hip injury. He will be out for months and also expects 2024 to probably be his last year in professional tennis. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

'New generation is here already': Novak Djokovic on young talents after Rome quarter-final exit

With not even a week left for the commencement of the French Open 2023 edition, Australian star Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the upcoming edition due to the same knee injury that kept him out of the Australian Open early this year, in January. Kyrgios is yet to make his debut in the 2023 season. He had undergone surgery in January for a knee injury and was out of action from all the&nbsp;three ATP 1000 clay-court events prior to the Roland Garros.

"It's not looking likely. We are trying everything we can to have Nick ready on court as soon as possible," Kyrgios's agent Daniel Horsfall said earlier on Tuesday. This comes as a huge blow to the organisers as the Aussie star is easily one of the top players who often make heads turn on the court. He had a stellar run in the 2022 season where he also reached his first-ever Grand Slam final, during Wimbledon 2022.

Meanwhile, defending champion Rafael Nadal's fitness update is keenly awaited as the 14-time French Open winner has been out of action for quite long due to his hip injury, forcing him to miss the Indian Wells, Italian Open and Madrid Open.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-historic-aditi-ashok-creates-history-becomes-first-indian-female-golfer-to-enter-top-50-592922">Golf: HISTORIC! Aditi Ashok creates history, becomes first Indian female golfer to enter top 50</a>

Increase in prize money in French Open

Ahead of this year's French Open, the organisers revealed of increasing the prize money; with an increase of 12.3 percent from last year's edition.&nbsp;There has been a considerable hike in the prize money for first-round losers in the women's and men's singles draws, amounts awarded in the qualifying, wheelchair tennis and quad competitions. 
 
Overall, the prize money for the singles draws is set to witness a rise of 9.1 percent whereas the losers in the first three rounds will also walk away with 11 to 13 percent more.&nbsp;

With not even a week left for the commencement of the French Open 2023 edition, Australian star Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the upcoming edition due to the same knee injury that kept him out of the Australian Open early this year, in January.

With not even a week left for the commencement of the French Open 2023 edition, Australian star Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the upcoming edition due to the same knee injury that kept him out of the Australian Open early this year, in January. Kyrgios is yet to make his debut in the 2023 season. He had undergone surgery in January for a knee injury and was out of action from all the three ATP 1000 clay-court events prior to the Roland Garros. "It's not looking likely. We are trying everything we can to have Nick ready on court as soon as possible," Kyrgios's agent Daniel Horsfall said earlier on Tuesday. This comes as a huge blow to the organisers as the Aussie star is easily one of the top players who often make heads turn on the court. He had a stellar run in the 2022 season where he also reached his first-ever Grand Slam final, during Wimbledon 2022. Meanwhile, defending champion Rafael Nadal's fitness update is keenly awaited as the 14-time French Open winner has been out of action for quite long due to his hip injury, forcing him to miss the Indian Wells, Italian Open and Madrid Open. Also Read: Golf: HISTORIC! Aditi Ashok creates history, becomes first Indian female golfer to enter top 50 Increase in prize money in French Open Ahead of this year's French Open, the organisers revealed of increasing the prize money; with an increase of 12.3 percent from last year's edition. There has been a considerable hike in the prize money for first-round losers in the women's and men's singles draws, amounts awarded in the qualifying, wheelchair tennis and quad competitions. Overall, the prize money for the singles draws is set to witness a rise of 9.1 percent whereas the losers in the first three rounds will also walk away with 11 to 13 percent more.

Tennis: Aussie star Nick Kyrgios pulls out of French Open 2023 with knee injury

Rafael Nadal has been out of action for quite some time. He is nursing a hip injury which has already kept him out of many tournaments, including the just-concluded Miami Open in the run-up to this year's French Open. The Roland Garros 2023 is just a few weeks away and the Spaniard is running against time to recover fully from his hip injury. Ahead of the French Open, Nadal's longtime rival and good friend Roger Federer feels 'it will be brutal for tennis' if the 14-time French Open champion does not turn up for the showpiece event in Paris, France.

"It would be brutal, it would be tough for&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;if Rafa isn't going to be there," Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, told Sky Sports on Sunday (May 07) at Formula One's Miami Grand Prix. He further asserted, "I still hope so, I saw he pulled out of Rome so I wish him the best."

Federer added, "Obviously Novak (Djokovic) hasn't been playing that much so I hope he's going to be strong as well and then all the young guys coming through as well." The former world number one retired from tennis last year in mid-September.

In April, Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam winner, took to his official Twitter handle to share a video where he announced, "Hello everyone. It's been a while since I communicated directly with you. It has been a difficult few weeks and months. As you know I suffered a major injury in Australia, at the Psoas. Initially it had to be a six to eight week recovery period and we are now on fourteen. The reality is that the situation is not what we would have expected. All medical indications have been followed, but the evolution has not been what they initially told us."

"We find ourselves in a difficult situation. The weeks are passing and I had the illusion of being able to play in tournaments that are the most important in my career such as Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros and for the moment I have missed Monte Carlo and Barcelona. I will not be able to be in Madrid unfortunately. The injury still hasn't healed and I can't work out what I need to to compete. I was training, but now a few days ago we decided to change course a bit, do another treatment and see if things improve to try to get to what comes next. I can't give deadlines because if I knew I would tell you but I don't know. This is how things are now."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-pulls-out-of-madrid-open-shares-statement-on-injury-roland-garros-participation-doubtful-584376">Rafael Nadal pulls out of Madrid Open, shares statement on injury; Roland Garros participation doubtful</a>

Nadal added, "I also want to send a special greeting to all the Madrid and Spanish public because I will have missed the two tournaments that are played here at home. You all know what it means for me to play these tournaments and specifically Madrid that I will not be able to play it with everything it has given me. I have no choice but to try to have the right attitude throughout this time, try to give myself the opportunity to compete in one of the tournaments that remains of the clay season and I have no choice but to work and be with the right mentality.

A very strong hug to all and as soon as I have news, I will inform you. Thank you!", the world number 14 signed off.

While Nadal isn't officially out of the upcoming Roland Garros, he is certainly running against time to recover before the commencement of this year's French Open. The mega event kicks off on May 22.

Rafael Nadal has been out of action for quite some time. He is nursing a hip injury which has already kept him out of many tournaments, including the just-concluded Miami Open in the run-up to this year's French Open.

Rafael Nadal has been out of action for quite some time. He is nursing a hip injury which has already kept him out of many tournaments, including the just-concluded Miami Open in the run-up to this year's French Open. The Roland Garros 2023 is just a few weeks away and the Spaniard is running against time to recover fully from his hip injury. Ahead of the French Open, Nadal's longtime rival and good friend Roger Federer feels 'it will be brutal for tennis' if the 14-time French Open champion does not turn up for the showpiece event in Paris, France. "It would be brutal, it would be tough for tennis if Rafa isn't going to be there," Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, told Sky Sports on Sunday (May 07) at Formula One's Miami Grand Prix. He further asserted, "I still hope so, I saw he pulled out of Rome so I wish him the best." Federer added, "Obviously Novak (Djokovic) hasn't been playing that much so I hope he's going to be strong as well and then all the young guys coming through as well." The former world number one retired from tennis last year in mid-September. In April, Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam winner, took to his official Twitter handle to share a video where he announced, "Hello everyone. It's been a while since I communicated directly with you. It has been a difficult few weeks and months. As you know I suffered a major injury in Australia, at the Psoas. Initially it had to be a six to eight week recovery period and we are now on fourteen. The reality is that the situation is not what we would have expected. All medical indications have been followed, but the evolution has not been what they initially told us." "We find ourselves in a difficult situation. The weeks are passing and I had the illusion of being able to play in tournaments that are the most important in my career such as Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros and for the moment I have missed Monte Carlo and Barcelona. I will not be able to be in Madrid unfortunately. The injury still hasn't healed and I can't work out what I need to to compete. I was training, but now a few days ago we decided to change course a bit, do another treatment and see if things improve to try to get to what comes next. I can't give deadlines because if I knew I would tell you but I don't know. This is how things are now." Also Read: Rafael Nadal pulls out of Madrid Open, shares statement on injury; Roland Garros participation doubtful Nadal added, "I also want to send a special greeting to all the Madrid and Spanish public because I will have missed the two tournaments that are played here at home. You all know what it means for me to play these tournaments and specifically Madrid that I will not be able to play it with everything it has given me. I have no choice but to try to have the right attitude throughout this time, try to give myself the opportunity to compete in one of the tournaments that remains of the clay season and I have no choice but to work and be with the right mentality. A very strong hug to all and as soon as I have news, I will inform you. Thank you!", the world number 14 signed off. While Nadal isn't officially out of the upcoming Roland Garros, he is certainly running against time to recover before the commencement of this year's French Open. The mega event kicks off on May 22.

Tennis: It would be brutal for tennis if Rafael Nadal misses French Open 2023, says Roger Federer

Carlos Alcaraz expects Rafa Nadal to perform at a "spectacular level" at the French Open if the 14-times champion can overcome his injury issues ahead of the year's second Grand Slam. Nadal skipped the ongoing Madrid Open after a setback in his recovery from a hip injury sustained at the Australian Open in January. The 22-times major champion also missed tournaments at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

Alcaraz has emerged as favourite for Roland Garros after victories on clay at Buenos Aires and Barcelona but the world number two said Nadal cannot be written off and hopes his fellow Spaniard will return next week in Rome. "Hopefully he will be in Rome and then at Roland Garros, where he will be a rival to beat," Alcaraz told reporters after beating Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-2 on Tuesday to reach the Madrid quarter-finals.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-rory-mcilroy-feeling-fresh-after-mental-health-break-588357">Golf: Rory McIlroy feeling 'fresh' after mental health break</a>

"Although he hasn't played since Australia, a man who has won a tournament 14 times will always be difficult to beat in that tournament, even if he comes without match rhythm. "It'll also be difficult for him,&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;requires that competitive rhythm, but Rafa is Rafa, even if he arrives without many matches, he'll surely show a spectacular level."

Alcaraz, who turns 20 on Friday, said reports of Nadal's return were encouraging as he hoped to continue learning from the 36-year-old. "I say this as a player and as a&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;lover," Alcaraz said. "It's been a pity all these months where we haven't been able to see him in tournaments."

Carlos Alcaraz expects Rafa Nadal to perform at a "spectacular level" at the French Open if the 14-times champion can overcome his injury issues ahead of the year's second Grand Slam.

Carlos Alcaraz expects Rafa Nadal to perform at a "spectacular level" at the French Open if the 14-times champion can overcome his injury issues ahead of the year's second Grand Slam. Nadal skipped the ongoing Madrid Open after a setback in his recovery from a hip injury sustained at the Australian Open in January. The 22-times major champion also missed tournaments at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Barcelona. Alcaraz has emerged as favourite for Roland Garros after victories on clay at Buenos Aires and Barcelona but the world number two said Nadal cannot be written off and hopes his fellow Spaniard will return next week in Rome. "Hopefully he will be in Rome and then at Roland Garros, where he will be a rival to beat," Alcaraz told reporters after beating Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-2 on Tuesday to reach the Madrid quarter-finals. Also Read: Golf: Rory McIlroy feeling 'fresh' after mental health break "Although he hasn't played since Australia, a man who has won a tournament 14 times will always be difficult to beat in that tournament, even if he comes without match rhythm. "It'll also be difficult for him, tennis requires that competitive rhythm, but Rafa is Rafa, even if he arrives without many matches, he'll surely show a spectacular level." Alcaraz, who turns 20 on Friday, said reports of Nadal's return were encouraging as he hoped to continue learning from the 36-year-old. "I say this as a player and as a tennis lover," Alcaraz said. "It's been a pity all these months where we haven't been able to see him in tournaments."

World number two Carlos Alcaraz says Rafael Nadal still the man to beat at Roland Garros

Matteo Arnaldi on Friday earned his first Top 10 win as he stunned World No. 4 Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-4 to reach the third round at the Madrid Open.

He struck 35 winners and hit with great depth to consistently push Ruud back and inflict a ninth defeat of the season on the Norwegian. "I don't know what to say. In Barcelona, I was playing very well. But coming here it is different. The ball bounces so high and I didn't like it at first. I struggled a bit. But today, I don't know, maybe the stadium, maybe the pressure on him, but I played the best match of my life," ATP.COM quoted Arnaldi as saying.

Following his third tour-level victory of the year, the 22-year-old, who participated in the 2017 Next Gen ATP Finals, has moved up nine ranks to No. 96 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings. After winning his second ATP Challenger Tour championship of the year in Spain earlier this month, Arnaldi rose to a career-high ranking of No. 102.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/none-have-spoken-up-vinesh-phogat-launches-scathing-attack-on-indian-cricketers-amid-wrestlers-vs-wfi-row-586924">'None have spoken up': Vinesh Phogat launches scathing attack on Indian cricketers amid wrestlers vs WFI row</a>

Arnaldi will look to continue his dream run against Jaume Munar. The Spaniard advanced after Tallon Griekspoor was forced to retire after Munar had clinched the first set 7-6(3).

In Estoril earlier this month, Ruud won his tenth tour-level championship, but he has had trouble regaining his best form for 2023. The 24-year-old lost in the second round of the Australian Open and hasn't made it past the third round in any of his four ATP Masters 1000 matches.

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Matteo Arnaldi on Friday earned his first Top 10 win as he stunned World No. 4 Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-4 to reach the third round at the Madrid Open. He struck 35 winners and hit with great depth to consistently push Ruud back and inflict a ninth defeat of the season on the Norwegian.

Matteo Arnaldi on Friday earned his first Top 10 win as he stunned World No. 4 Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-4 to reach the third round at the Madrid Open. He struck 35 winners and hit with great depth to consistently push Ruud back and inflict a ninth defeat of the season on the Norwegian. "I don't know what to say. In Barcelona, I was playing very well. But coming here it is different. The ball bounces so high and I didn't like it at first. I struggled a bit. But today, I don't know, maybe the stadium, maybe the pressure on him, but I played the best match of my life," ATP.COM quoted Arnaldi as saying. Following his third tour-level victory of the year, the 22-year-old, who participated in the 2017 Next Gen ATP Finals, has moved up nine ranks to No. 96 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings. After winning his second ATP Challenger Tour championship of the year in Spain earlier this month, Arnaldi rose to a career-high ranking of No. 102. ALSO READ | 'None have spoken up': Vinesh Phogat launches scathing attack on Indian cricketers amid wrestlers vs WFI row Arnaldi will look to continue his dream run against Jaume Munar. The Spaniard advanced after Tallon Griekspoor was forced to retire after Munar had clinched the first set 7-6(3). In Estoril earlier this month, Ruud won his tenth tour-level championship, but he has had trouble regaining his best form for 2023. The 24-year-old lost in the second round of the Australian Open and hasn't made it past the third round in any of his four ATP Masters 1000 matches. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Madrid Open 2023: Matteo Arnaldi stuns World No 4 Casper Ruud to reach third round

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'New generation is here already': Novak Djokovic on young talents after Rome quarter-final exit

Tennis: Aussie star Nick Kyrgios pulls out of French Open 2023 with knee injury

Tennis: It would be brutal for tennis if Rafael Nadal misses French Open 2023, says Roger Federer

World number two Carlos Alcaraz says Rafael Nadal still the man to beat at Roland Garros

Madrid Open 2023: Matteo Arnaldi stuns World No 4 Casper Ruud to reach third round