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A Motivational Tool: Believing That Tennis’s Big Four Era Is Over

On the way to a Wimbledon final this summer, Milos Raonic took a crash course in the attitudinal psychology of advanced men’s tennis. The curriculum offered a straightforward application of positive thinking, said his instructor, or coach, Carlos Moyá.

“What I tried to convince Milos is that this Big Four thing, it’s over,” Moyá said.

Foregone conclusion, or wishful thinking? Heading into the United States Open, the year’s final Grand Slam tournament, the answer — depending on the criteria — is yes.

The chronically injured Rafael Nadal never did make it to London after withdrawing from the third round of his beloved French Open with a bad wrist.