ATP Finals 2018: Novak Djokovic has faith in younger generation after dispatching 'leader' Alexander Zverev

The ATP Finals may be an old boys’ club this year but Novak Djokovic has faith in the generation waiting in the wings even as they struggle at the O2.

Djokovic, Kevin Anderson and Roger Federer, all over 30, have brushed aside twenty-something opponents in the last three matches at the ATP Finals, with the Serbian comprehensively defeating tennis’ current bright young thing, German Alexander Zverev, 6-4, 6-1 in little over an hour.

Almost as soon as Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal entered their 30s the debate over who could fill the void they would eventually leave began. Whilst tennis may never enjoy another generation quite like that which still bestrides the sport the current world No.1 is convinced the future is bright.

“I know you guys might be a little bit rough on them,” Djokovic said. “I think there is a lot of quality in the new generation.

“Zverev is obviously the leader of that next generation. He has proven himself, established himself as a top player. He has won many Masters 1000 events already, I think three in his career, which is quite impressive. You have to give him credit for that, qualifying for World Tour Finals two years in a row.

“Then you have players like Khachanov, of course, Tsitsipas, Coric. I think tennis is in good hands. At the same time I think us older guys, we're still obviously working hard and working smart and trying to get the most out of what we have in ourselves left. How long that's going to go for, we don't know.

“Obviously experience plays an important role in these kind of matches, knowing how to kind of approach, play, behave in certain moments, how to deal and cope with pressure. So obviously that's on our side.”

Zverev, ranked fifth in the world and with three Masters 1000 titles to his name, has enlisted the aid of eight-time Grand Slam champion Ivan Lendl to aid his development.

The raw materials the 21-year-old has to work with are clearly impressive, as Zverev clocked up serves of 140mph-plus against Djokovic.

“Obviously Lendl is one of the biggest legends of our sport,” Djokovic said. “Having him in your box as your mentor, as your tennis coach, is very valuable. I'm sure, I know actually, that Zverev values that a lot, he appreciates that.

“He's definitely on the good path. Having Lendl, as I said, can only serve him as an incentive for an improvement.”

For a time the German youngster looked like offering a stern test to Djokovic, earning two break points in the ninth game of the fourth set. However Zverev crumbled all too easily in the second as what promised to be the best contest of the week so far devolved into another rout.

None of the seven singles match have yet reached a third set and Djokovic felt compelled to apologise in his on-court interview after his match came to a rapid conclusion.

“There’s nothing really necessarily to point out as the main reason for that happening,” he told Standard Sport. “I don't think you can say it's because a lot of players are tired or whatever. I mean, for sure, substance is not as it is when you start the season.

“At the same time we've seen some thrilling matches, three-setters, before this year, in previous years that we had in the O2. I don't see any particular reason. It just happens.

“I guess winning the first set really counts this year. Then, I guess, you have mentally quite an edge.”