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Tennis legend Boris Becker believes the influence of the Big Three goes beyond tennis and hopes for at least two more years from both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Baker names Nadal and Djokovic, and Roger Federer as cultural icons beyond tennis.
«We will only be able to truly measure their impact on tennis after they all retire,» he added.
«They have followers from different countries – Serbia, Spain and Switzerland,» said Baker Eurosport.
«Their impact on tennis is huge. We will understand exactly how big they are after they all retire.
«I hope Novak and Rafa will play for a year or two because we will benefit from that. They are not only tennis icons, not just sporting icons, but cultural figures.
Becker Djokovic He believes he is not preoccupied with winning an Olympic gold medal in Paris in 2024.
Djokovic feels more concerned about his 23rd Grand Slam to stand alone above Nadal and Federer.
Nadal says he is still the favorite at Roland Garros.
«I personally don’t think Novak is thinking about the Golden Slam,» Baker said when asked if Djokovic was thinking about the Paris Olympics.
«I think he wants to win his 23rd season, which will be a record. The next major is Roland-Garros, in my view, Rafael Nadal is still the favorite.
“But Novak is on his heels. So let’s see what these two great champions have to offer.
Nadal has not been on the tour since his second-round exit at the Australian Open.
He suffered a grade 2 injury to the iliacus psoas of his left leg which has kept him out of action ever since.
Despite the 22-time Grand Slam winner’s appearance on the clay of the Mallorca academy, his return date remains up in the air.
Nadal has been forced to pull out of both Spanish events on clay, including the Madrid Open.
Meanwhile, Djokovic is battling his own injury scare this week as he struggles to play with an elbow injury in Banja Luka.
Djokovic returned from a break from the tour at the Monte Carlo Masters but lost to Lorenzo Musetti in the last eight.
He will then be dropped off by his compatriot Dusan Lajovic in Banja Luka.
However, both men are still considered strong candidates for the French Open title.
WATCH: An inspired Dusan Lajovic upsets Novak Djokovic in stunning Banja Luka.
