NOVAK DJOKOVIC

Former world number one Pete Sampras believes only Novak Djokovic was capable of stopping Roger Federer from attaining Wimbledon glory earlier this year.

Novak Djokovic called time on his 2017 season after retiring in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon and will return to action in 2018.

Former British number one Greg Rusedski believes Roger Federer's change in racket helped him compete with the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Sampras was hoping that his record of 14 Grand Slam titles would last longer than the seven years it took Federer to eclipse his score.

The 16-time Grand Slam winner had to withdraw from the Paris Masters after feeling a recurrence of the injury which put his participation in massive doubt.

Djokovic last featured competitively in his Wimbledon quarter-final clash with Tomas Berdych. The Serbian ace retired midway through the match due to an elbow injury.

Nadal can become the most successful ATP 1000 Masters Series player if he wins his first title in Paris as he is currently tied with Djokovic at 30 titles.

Roger Federer has reclaimed his spot as the top prize earner in tennis as he overtook Novak Djokovic and closed in on becoming the first player to make $110m in career earnings.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic is looking to change his fortunes in 2018 as he targets more Grand Slam success after a poor injury-ridden 2017.

Federer does not believe he has set a trend that sees many a top player taking lengthy injury breaks in order to emulate the Swiss star's successful 2017 campaign.

Roger Federer could be set to regain his spot over Novak Djokovic as the top prize earner in tennis, should he win any of the next three events.

Novak Djokovic is looking forward to getting back to winning ways when he makes his comeback from injury in 2018.

Former British number one Greg Rusedski believes Andy Murray will return to challenge for major honours but is concerned about Novak Djokovic.

Ex-coach Mark Petchey says the competition from Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka has made Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer even better players.

The likes of Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori will all feature in the Australian Open while Serena Williams is expected to defend her title.

Andy Murray's ex-coach Miles Maclagan believes it will take quite a while for the next generation to emulate the success of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Carlos Moya has warned against writing off Djokovic after the Serb ended his season early due to injury.

The future stars of tennis have underperformed in Grand Slams.

Djokovic has taken time off since Wimbledon to recover from an elbow injury.

Nadal and Federer have won five titles apiece including two Grand Slams each in 2017.

Federer has lost just four times in 43 matches in 2017 winning five titles along the way.