Following Biggest Win in His Storied Career, Nadal Sounds Bell on Cinderella Era in Men's Tennis

Fresh off what might arguably be his greatest single victory in his distinguished career, Rafael Nadal sounded surprisingly somber afterward, and he hinted that the "golden era" of the greats now dominating the men's game - himself, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray - may soon be coming to an end.

According to the article by Dave James of the AFP ( Nadal predicts golden era coming to close AFP By Dave James June 8, 2014 - see link below), Nadal said:

"I am 28, it's not forever. I want to enjoy the moment because I have worked so hard to be here. I will have a few more opportunities but you don't know if I will ever win it again."

"Our generation is on the way out. We have all been here for a long while. It's normal. A generation is walking away and others will replace us. It will not come overnight, but it will come," said Nadal.

Roger Federer, the oldest of the bunch that Nadal discussed, is 33 years old. Djokovic and Murray are both 28, like Nadal.

Between them, those four men have won 39 of the last 44 majors stretching back to Federer's first Wimbledon title in 2003

Well, it could indeed be the case that we are witnessing the end of an era in men's tennis. I would not be so quick to write off any of the big four, and at this point in time, that is especially true of Nadal. True, he has been hampered by nagging injuries that have slowed him down considerably. But he made it to the Australian Open Final earlier this year, and won a record ninth French Open just a few months later, further securing his current number one ranking. Many have suggested that Federer should retire, but he still plays at a strong level that most tennis players - even talented players with promising futures - envy. And Djokovic and Murray would seem to have still yet more Grand Slam success to look forward to in the future.

It may be coming to an end fairly soon, and it will obviously end at some point. BUt I would not bank on it happening anytime too soon. Maybe next year, but we'll see. In the meantime, those men still seem to be dictating play and dominating the sport for the time being, and Nadal, specifically, is looking as strong as he ever has.


Nadal predicts golden era coming to close AFP By Dave James June 8, 2014:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nadal-predicts-golden-era-coming-close-000335249--ten.html



Nadal on cloud nine after soaring to new heights by Pritha Sarkar of Reuters, June 9, 2014:

http://news.yahoo.com/nadal-cloud-nine-soaring-heights-092743690.html



5 Things We Learned at the 2014 French Open by Howard Fendrich, an AP Tennis Writer, June 9, 2014:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/5-things-learned-2014-french-071954865--ten.html