Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner are better than Federer-Nadal-Djokovic, claims ATP ex-pro with important caveat

Former tennis player Greg Rusedski believes today’s stars, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, have taken the sport to a level even higher than the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era. He feels their speed, power, and intensity have reshaped modern tennis.

Alcaraz and Sinner have been the standout performers this season. Sinner dominated in Melbourne and Wimbledon, while Alcaraz captured titles in Paris and New York.

Rusedski, a former World No. 4 and 1997 US Open finalist, reflected on how the sport has evolved. He also added that with today’s technology and training tools, legends like Federer and Nadal could have reached similar heights.

"What we're seeing with Sinner and Alcaraz is the evolution of the sport. Over the years, science introduces new nuances to tennis, improving racket technology, players' physiques, and technique. What Jannik and Carlos are doing is elevating tennis to a higher level," Greg Rusedski said

"They're playing at a level never before seen, so you could say they're better than the Big 3. However, that doesn't mean Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic wouldn't have reached that level of play if they had the current conditions," the Briton asserted.

Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic have collected a stunning 66 Grand Slam titles between them. Djokovic is still competing at 38, while Federer and Nadal have stepped away from the sport in recent years.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz and Sinner have already registered strong results at the Majors early in their careers. Together, they've captured 10 Grand Slam titles, with Alcaraz leading the charge with six in his locker.

"Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz bring different things to the game"- Greg Rusedski

Greg Rusedski at the AEGON International - Day Two - Source: Getty

Greg Rusedski never played Rafael Nadal, but he did face Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic during his career. He beat Federer once in Vienna in 1999, but lost their next four meetings, and also fell to Djokovic in their only match at the 2006 Davis Cup.

Rusedski spoke about the rise of Alcaraz and Sinner and how they’re pushing tennis forward. He also reflected on Pete Sampras’ legacy, noting how his record of 14 Grand Slams once felt impossible to achieve.

"In my generation, we had Sampras, who with his 14 Grand Slam titles seemed unbeatable. Then the Big 3 appeared, and we all feared what might happen when their careers ended. The emergence of Sinner and Alcaraz has been as immediate as it has been brilliant, and both are special because they bring different things to the game," says Rusedski, clearly amazed by this new rivalry.

The three-time Newport Open champion also praised the standout qualities of Alcaraz and Sinner. He even called this year’s French Open final one of the greatest matches in tennis history.

"Seeing Alcaraz shattering precocity records is mind-blowing. It's the best possible news for tennis, and the fact that he has six Grand Slam titles at 22 is incredible. Then you see Sinner and how he uses his skiing skills to move around the court with complete ease. I've never seen a player move so well. The other players tell you that they both hit the ball equally hard on their forehands and backhands and that they have more power than the Big Three. The Roland Garros final was one of the best matches in history," he commented.

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in an epic five-set match at the French Open. He also finished the season by winning the Year-End No. 1 trophy in Turin.