The Next Generation

*This post is based off of a interview with Roger Federer, one of the greatest tennis players of all time.*

In the interview Fed is asked a question regarding the next generation of players. The interviewer asks if Federer thinks that its harder for the new players to win. He says that Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic won so many grand slams during their career and now the new young players are struggling to win one, let alone two. As seen in this chart.

I thought this was an very deep question that raised a important question. Is it possible for a generation of greats to be surpassed by the next? My thought is not a simple yes or no. In fact, I’m kinda 50/50 on the matter.

50% of me thinks that, in some cases, it is not possible to surpass some of the achievements of the previous generation. Let me explain. Some achievements are unique, and therefore unsurpassable. For example, Tiger Woods changed the game of golf. He inspired the next generation of players. Without him some of the current best players would not even be playing the game.

That’s not to say that someone wont come in the future that will also inspire the then next generation. Just that the achievements of someone like Tiger might not ever be matched. The same goes for all the athletes that have changed their respective games.

The other 50% of me thinks, “Of course they can surpass the previous generation.” The old quote, “records are meant to be broken.” is somewhat true. There is always that possibility to achieve greater success than the past generation. In fact, it might be the next generations responsibility to surpass the previous.

That’s just my thoughts on the matter. I thought the question asked of Roger was deep and his answer was insightful. Check out the full interview here if you haven’t already.

-Matt

Email me. matt@jw.mw

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