Robin Haase, 35, denies the notion that the current generation of tennis players is “weak mentally” but also acknowledged that Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are still strong forces in the game. In recent years, the game has gotten new Grand Slam champions – Dominic Thiem, Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz now have one Major title.
But some aren’t impressed, insisting there should be more Grand Slam champions and also claiming it’s not a good look for the game that two players well in their thirties are still dominating the Grand Slam scene. Haase thinks Nadal, 36, and 35-year-old Djokovic are not as dominant as they used to be but also feels that their current level is still good enough for them to be considered very strong forces.
Haase: Nadal, Djokovic still great but not as dominant as they used to be
“If you make it to top 100 in the world, you are mentally very strong. When people say that a number 10 in the world is not mentally strong, they have not idea what they are talking about.
If you are not mentally strong you wouldn’t be there. To win a Slam title, is something different, is true, it’s always more pressure. But Medvedev has won one, Thiem has won one. It’s changing. Yes, Djokovic and Nadal have been proving that they are still competing for this events, that they are still better than the rest, despite not being as dominating as they used to be, but is also normal because of the age,” Haase told CLAY.
Haase, a former world No 33 in singles, is now ranked at No 269 in the world. Last year, Haase mostly competed on the Challenger Tour. So far this year, Haase appeared in just two singles tournaments as his focus has now shifted to doubles, where he is regularly competing in the main-level events with fellow Dutch Matwe Middelkoop.
“Singles ranking dropped really far. I’d still play as much as singles as I can, and then I have to see if I want to play just doubles. I’ve had a long career, 18 years, traveling is tough. Tennis has gave me a lot, but I’ve also missed a lot,” Haase said.
