Generational Change in Tennis—and the Workplace

Roland Garros and Wimbledon are just three weeks apart, yet this year they shared something historic. For the first time, both Grand Slam finals featured only players from the new generation —both under 24 years old: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz triumphed at Roland Garros, while Sinner claimed the Wimbledon title. Many have said the quality of play wasn’t just outstanding—it was on an entirely new level. A new era has officially begun in men’s tennis.

But this post isn’t about the match itself. It’s about how we relate to new generations.

A friend recently told me he no longer follows tennis because he misses Rafa, Roger, and the best of Djoko. And that’s completely understandable. We’re all free to choose our idols—and to stop watching when our favorites are no longer on the court. That’s a personal choice, and that’s OK.

However, we can’t take the same approach in the workplace.

It’s natural to gravitate toward long-time colleagues—those we know and trust. But if we want fresh solutions to today’s challenges, we must be open to new voices. We might be surprised by the insights they bring. In today’s fast-changing world, the best outcomes come from listening to all perspectives, regardless of age or experience.

Let’s make space for the next generation—on the court and at work.

György Balázs