Alexander Zverev declares himself part of tennis' new Big Three

German tennis ace Alexander Zverev has boldly declared that he is part of a new Big Three in men's tennis - suggesting that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's time at the top has come to an end.

For years Federer and Nadal, along with fellow 20-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic, have been regarded as the Big Three in men's tennis, with their stranglehold on major trophies over the last decade a testament to the fact.

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However, Olympic gold medallist and ATP Finals champion Zverev - who is still yet to win that elusive grand slam singles title - says a changing of the guard has already happened.

The German predicts that much like in 2021, the biggest trophies in the new year will be shared between himself, Djokovic and Russian superstar Daniil Medvedev.

Zverev beat Djokovic en route to gold at the Tokyo Olympics and then ended the year by winning the ATP Finals title for the second time.

Djokovic won three of the year's grand slam titles but his old rivals Nadal and Federer failed to add to their collections with the trio tied on 20 majors each.

World No.2 Medvedev beat Djokovic in the US Open final while Zverev also reached two grand slam semis this year.

Heading into the new season Federer, 40, is still recovering from knee surgery while Nadal, 35, is in the early stages of his comeback from a foot injury.

"I think next year could be very similar to the last six months from this year," Zverev, named German Sportsman of the Year this week, told Eurosport Germany.

"Before, there used to be always talk about Nadal, Federer and Djokovic — now the big titles were the Olympics, US Open, Turin (ATP Finals) and Wimbledon, and they were all won by Medvedev, Djokovic and me. I don't expect it to be any different next year."

Zverev ended the year ranked three and believes the No.1 spot is a viable target.

"I know I'm not far away from it, but for that I also have to win tournaments and grand slams," he said.

Alexander Zverev wants Novak Djokovic to play Aus Open

Theoretically, the 24-year-old Zverev could become No.1 if he wins the Australian Open and Djokovic misses the tournament because of its COVID-19 vaccine stance.

Only players who have been vaccinated - or have a medical exemption - will be allowed to compete in Melbourne. Djokovic has not revealed his vaccination status but in the past has been critical of the worldwide push to vaccinate.

"The situation with Novak and Australia is still a big question mark," he said. "Of course, I hope that he will be allowed to play, that's very clear.

"There are thousands of mathematical calculations. If he doesn't play Australia and I win the Australian Open, then I'm No.1 in the world, and so on and so forth.

"At the end of the day, now is not the time to think about (being No.1). Now is the time to prepare as best as you can so you're physically able to play for it."

Zverev's failure to capture a grand slam has surprised some, but he is now a consistent threat at the biggest events after initially struggling to show his best at them.

"I've become much calmer. I'm also getting older. I'm not 18 or 19 anymore. I understand maybe a bit more things about life and understand that you just have to keep calm in important situations," he said.

"That has had its effect on me this year."

with AAP

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