“The truth is…” Carlos Alcaraz gives harsh reality about him and Jannik Sinner replacing the ‘Big 3’ at the epitome of men’s tennis

Carlos Alcaraz believes that a rivalry like the 'Big 3' will be practically impossible to duplicate.

“The truth is…” Carlos Alcaraz gives harsh reality about him and Jannik Sinner replacing the ‘Big 3’ at the epitome of men’s tennis

Carlos Alcaraz (in circle) and Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic (via X)

Carlos Alcaraz recently spoke with El Nuevo Dia about his passion for tennis, his idol Rafael Nadal and his exhibition match at the Puerto Rico Coliseum, among other topics. The trio of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer formed the ‘Big 3’ of tennis. They transformed the sport with their competitiveness and exceptional records.

While Alcaraz played much less with Federer, he fought with Nadal in his last years and presently has an intense rivalry with Djokovic. Alcaraz had even partnered with Nadal in doubles during the Paris Olympics, where they reached the quarterfinals.

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It’s complicated. They have set the bar for tennis and what can be done at an astronomical level. There are many players capable of winning Grand Slams, of beating the best. Young players, including myself, who can really be fighting for great things. But getting to the point of that rivalry between Rafa, Federer and Djokovic, the truth is that it will be practically impossible to repeat that. We will have our battles; I will have my battles with great players, but a rivalry like theirs will be practically impossible.

Carlos Alcarav via El Nuevo Dia

Carlos Alcaraz calls it a source of pride- in the end they are three of the best in the history of our sport. To have played even briefly with some, and with others more, has been incredible remarked the 21-year-old.

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He called the ‘Big 3’ role models. He reiterated that Rafael Nadal has been his idol and that he has great respect and admiration for what the other two have done. To have shared time with them has been incredible, Alcaraz added.

Carlos Alcaraz will play an exhibition match in Puerto Rico ahead of the Indian Wells

World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz started off his 2025 season with the Australian Open, where he reached the quarterfinals of the tournament losing to Novak Djokovic in that round. He then made his debut at the Rotterdam Open, winning his first indoor title. Alcaraz then played at the Qatar Open, where he lost to Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals.

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz (via X)

Alcaraz is currently in Puerto Rico where he is one of the stars of the “Battle of Legends” that will be held this Sunday at the Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum. In this exhibition match, the Spaniard will face American Frances Tiafoe, number 18 in the rankings.

Alcaraz, who is often criticized for playing too many exhibition matches, expressed his excitement for participating in this one. In the end he thinks it’s a good time because after the match he has to go to Indian Wells, a prestigious tournament where he is aiming to defend his title. He thinks this type of exhibition match helps him a lot to get in shape and in a good rhythm for the next tournament.