As a remarkable era of rivalry in the men's game draws to a graceful close, there could be a new Big Three in tennis.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. An era-defining generation that dominated tennis for close to a decade. A new Big Three emerges at Wimbledon this week, with reigning champion Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka and World No. 1 Iga Swiatek the next trio to dominate the sport.
As with Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, Rybakina, Swiatek and Sabalenka are a blend of styles, physiques and of contrasting personalities. Elena Rybakina, surprise winner of Wimbledon is the definition of calm and composed, while Aryna Sabalenka represents power and aggression, as does her snarling tiger tattoo. Iga Swiatek is small in build, but oozes class and is rapid on the court.
A four-time Grand Slam champion, the Polish World No.1 looks comfortable and elegant on grass, easing through the first three rounds to face the Swiss Belinda Bencic next. While Iga has been in absolute control,
Aryna Sabalenka has shown vulnerability, yet powered her way through to the Round of 16. Up against Gracheva, Sabalenka looked uncomfortable and spewed frustration, yet regained her composure to defeat the Frenchwoman before dispatching Anna Blinkova in the third round. Sabalenka faces World No. 21 Ekaterina Alexandrova in the next round.
Elena Rybakina's ascendancy to the top has been terrific, soaring past the last British contender in both singles draw with extravagance. Yet again, Rybakina was consistent, overwhelming her opponent with her fierce forehand and big-hitting groundstrokes, reinforced by her dominating serve. Rybakina's title defence continues, and the Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia is her next challenge.
Aside from the 'Big Three' Petra Kvitova and Ons Jabeur represent the strongest contenders for this year's Venus Rosewater Dish. Petra Kvitova has cruised to the fourth round, while the Tunisian beat Bianca Andreescu on her way to the Round of 16.
Comments