Nadal, Federer won combined total of 13 tournaments in 2017; Alexander Zverev, 20, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign to claim five titles
Friday 1 December 2017 13:00, UK
Marat Safin has questioned the younger tennis generation after Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s renaissance in form in 2017.
The four Grand Slam titles were shared equally by the illustrious duo and they won a combined 13 titles during the season.
Safin, a former world No 1, described Nadal and Federer as "superstars" and admitted he was "impressed" with their achievements on their return from injury but wants to see more from the new guard.
When asked what he made of Nadal and Federer's campaigns, Safin said: "[What] impressed me was [when you consider] the rest of the players. They are still winning and crushing everybody.
"I think, well, they [Nadal and Federer] are superstars. What is wrong with the juniors? They need to start to [make the next step]."
Alexander Zverev enjoyed a breakthrough season, winning five titles in 2017, to finish the year as the world No 4 as a 20-year-old and Safin has backed the German to continue his progression at the top echelons of the sport.
"For me, Zverev, I think," Safin said: "Plus he has a good coach, [Juan Carlos] Ferrero. He was a good player and has done good work with him.
"He is number four in the world, so he can manage, so let's see. The rest [of the young stars], we'll wait for next year."
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