Nalbandian urges the Next Gen to defeat Federer, Nadal and Djokovic

Former World No.3 David Nalbandian has called out the next generation of tennis players, stating that they should defeat the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic before the Big 3 retire from the sport.

Having had success against all three, the 11-time ATP titlist retired in 2013. However, he has recently found himself in the spotlight again, as he agreed to join the coaching team of Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic on a part-time basis.

The Argentine believes that the Big 3 are not unbeatable, claiming the new generation needs to start believing in themselves.

“Most of the players think that they’re waiting for the Big Three to retire,” Nalbandian said. “I say, ‘I was already waiting in my time and they’re still around!’ Let’s stop waiting and beat them.”

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The 2005 Tennis Masters champion has a combined 11-20 record against the legendary trio, and stated that he had to employ different shots and strategies against each player.

“First of all, they’re never going to lose the match, you have to beat them. Second, you have to be perfect on the tactics and then the execution of the tactics,” Nalbandian said. “Maybe you know how to play, but they are good players. They are not going to allow you to play the way you want to. It’s a combination of both things.”