Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev boarded a private plane to launch their South American exhibition tour this week.
Federer sees new champions taking major flight in 2020.
Thiem: This is Why Tsitsipas is Great for the Game
The 38-year-old Swiss said it's quite possible we will see a major changing of the guard next season.
"It's the same question every year at the end of the year, and I feel like I'm answering it the same way," Federer told the media in London. . "But does it feel like this year might be the best year yet? Possibly."
Federer says Dominic Thiem, the man who beat him in the Indian Wells final and the ATP Finals, and 2018 ATP Finals champion Zverev are two of the younger players capable of breaking through in 2020.
"I just think they have proven their point this year by qualifying for the World Tour Finals, and also now at least one of them making it to the finals," Federer said. "Dominic also what he showed again at this World Tour Finals, winning five titles beating all of us top guys. Definitely it's that next step they need, and seems like Dominic is in his absolute prime right now. Yeah, I would think so."
Still, world No. 1 Rafael Nadal, second-ranked Novak Djokovic and Federer have combined to capture 12 consecutive Grand Slam crowns.
Given the fact all three appear healthy, the Big 3 remain the top Grand Slam contenders next season.
"Then the only issue is that it seems like me, Novak, and Rafa are healthy, healthier than maybe in previous years, as well," Federer said. "Because remember when Novak had the elbow, Rafa had knee or whatever it was, and I had knee myself or the back...
"Then I look at the list of who finished World No. 1, who has been World No. 1 all these years, and it's just crazy that it's always one of us. But we are not getting any younger. So chances increase not because we are getting worse but because they are getting better, I believe."
Photo credit: Christopher Levy