Goffin opens up: between the Big 3 and the new generation, "the game has changed, everything is faster"

At 35, David Goffin offers a clear-eyed look at the evolution of modern tennis, between physical power and speed.

© AFP

Jules Hypolite

le 20/12/2025 à 15h42

2 min to read

Goffin David

At 35 years old, David Goffin had made a mark at the start of the season by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in Miami. Since that standout performance, however, the Belgian has not managed to build momentum, with his best results remaining two quarterfinals, in Acapulco and Munich.

Ranked world No. 7 at his peak, the Belgian recently spoke to the media Quality Shot Tennis about the differences between the current generation and that of the Big 3.

"Current players are physically stronger and faster"

"It's difficult to compare, but I've played against both generations. I would say that physically, the majority of players are stronger than before because the field of physical preparation has improved.

You can see how players slide on hard courts, their power, the way they hit the ball. They are, I think, stronger and faster than before, that's what sets them apart from the older generation."

"They hit winners from any area of the court"

"But tennis itself remains largely the same. Both generations are extremely talented, the game has simply evolved: they hit harder and move faster.

When you look at the way they hit the ball today, like Carlos or Jannik, it's simply impressive. They are capable of hitting winners from any area of the court.

Before, there was a bit more rallying and tactics, but today they go all out as soon as they have the slightest opportunity to step into the court, and it's incredible to watch."