Speaking ahead of Indian Wells, the 24-time Grand Slam champion spoke about the new generation of players starting to make their mark in men’s tennis.
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While Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca has received a lot of attention in recent months, Djokovic suggested that Learner Tien and Jakub Mensik are also part of the same emerging group and deserve similar recognition.
Novak Djokovic says Learner Tien and Jakub Mensik deserve more attention
During a press conference prior to the Masters 1000, the Serbian praised the progress of several young players who have begun to give good results on the ATP Tour.
Djokovic singled out Tien and Mensik as talents who should be mentioned alongside the highly rated Fonseca.
He stated (via Express): “I think he (Tien), Fonseca, these guys, Mensik, that’s the generation. I don’t know if they’re the same age or maybe someone is a year younger, a year older, but I think Fonseca got a lot of attention, which is good for him, but I think the other guys deserve it too because of the results and everything he’s been showing, you know, in the last few years, particularly the last 12 months.”
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Novak Djokovic highlights Michael Chang’s role in Learner Tien’s rise
Djokovic also noted the influence of former Grand Slam champion Michael Chang on Tien’s development.
The Serbian suggested that having a figure with Chang’s experience could be extremely valuable for a young player facing the pressures of early success on the ATP Tour.
Djokovic explained that the 54-year-old understands the challenges better than most due to his remarkable rise in the sport.
“Tien has Michael Chang in his corner, who is obviously one of the all-time greats and a Grand Slam winner and someone who has been at the top of the game and understands it,” he began.
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“Also, I think he’s the youngest Grand Slam winner in the men’s category, he was 16 or 17 when he won Roland Garros, so he understands the pressures that come into play when you’re that young and you reach that height and you have that platform, that you haven’t matured yet in your game or your emotions or everything around that.”
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