Alcaraz And Sinner Can't Yet Be Compared To Big Three Says Former World No. 1

Tuesday, 24 December 2024 at 03:55

byErik Virostko

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner might have been the two most successful players on the ATP Tour in 2024, but they can't yet be compared to the Big Three, according to Gustavo Kuerten.

Alcaraz and Sinner won every single one of the last four Grand Slam titles. While the Italian player started and ended the 2024 season with a major trophy, his Spanish rival won two in between.

That's the kind of dominance that tennis fans were used to seeing from the Big Three of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, but even though the two youngsters were able to do it in one season, doesn't yet mean they can be compared to the Big Three already, at least according to former World No. 1, Gustavo Kuerten.

Kuerten knows how it feels to be in the spotlight, having won three Grand Slam titles. He also reached the World No. 1 spot, and he even played against Federer, beating him twice in three matches.

Now, as a retired player, Kuerten still follows what's happening on the ATP Tour, and he recently talked about it in an interview with Exame, explaining why Alcaraz and Sinner are so impressive.

"It’s always tricky to make comparisons between generations, but tennis today is at an impressive level. Sinner and Alcaraz have shown some of the highest quality tennis, with a combination of power, speed, and technical ability that is truly remarkable."

At the same time, Kuerten explained that while Sinner and Alaraz were able to dominate in one season, the Big Three have done it for over a decade, which is why these two youngsters can't yet be compared to them.

"They are taking the game to new heights in some ways. However, it’s important to remember that Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic have dominated the sport for almost two decades, something unprecedented."

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"Not only have they won an incredible number of titles, but they have also constantly raised the level of the game and adapted over time."

"What we can say is that Sinner and Alcaraz have the potential to form a historic rivalry. They have already shared all four Grand Slams in 2024, which is a remarkable feat. But it’s still too early to compare them directly to the Big Three."

Still, Kuerten believes that Alcaraz and Sinner can form a great rivalry, especially since they will push each other to become even better.

"What makes this new generation especially exciting is that they seem to be building on the legacy of the Big Three, incorporating elements of each other’s game and adding their own innovations. It’s a very exciting time for tennis, and it will be fascinating to see how this story unfolds in the years to come."