VIDEO: "We are next gen" says Novak Djokovic about Nadal, Federer and himself

Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic in the Rome Master's final to lift his 10th Rome Master's trophy and Djokovic, as always took the chance to joke around.

It was a great final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic and despite the loss, Djokovic remained in a good mood. The Serbian took the opportunity to joke around with the so-called "next-gen". During the trophy ceremony Djokovic stepped out to the mic and he said:

"We are reinventing the next-gen. Rafa, myself and Roger. We are the next gen."

The comment was made in Italian with the crowd reacting with laughter upon hearing it. Nadal cracked a bit of a smile himself as did Djokovic whose smile could be seen despite him wearing a mask. The comment was made in a joking manner but it's a very deliberate one by Djokovic.

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He was referencing the ability of the TOP 3 to maintain a high level even after so many ears in the tournaments. Many have debated when the so-called "next-gen" will take over but even in 2021, it seems like the old guard is still going strong.

Take a listen to the comment by Djokovic below.