Rafael Nadal does not like comparisons between Jannik Sinner-Carlos Alcaraz’s rivalry and Big Three as he feels it’s too early
Rafael Nadal feels that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's rivalry is in its early phase and comparisons with the Big Three are premature.
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Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic at 2022 Laver Cup; Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at Indian Wells 2024 (Images via Imago)
With only one of the Big Three, Novak Djokovic, active on the tour, the infamous rivalries in men’s tennis are a thing of the past. Although Rafael Nadal will play at the Davis Cup Finals, there is no chance of him facing Djokovic and after that, the Spaniard is retiring.
However, another rivalry is flourishing on the tour, between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The way the two players dominate the tour and push each other to their limits whenever they meet on the court gives a ray of hope to the fans that a Big Three-like rivalry will be there to entertain them.
Experts are already in awe of the two youngsters who split the four Grand Slam titles equally among themselves this year. While the comparisons have already started, Nadal does not feel too happy about it.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who challenged Roger Federer in his prime and also rose to the challenge from Djokovic, feels that comparing the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry to the Big Three is premature. While the Spaniard admits that Sinner and Alcaraz are “creating their own story”, Nadal wants to wait till the end for the comparisons.
We need to wait, but of course. This year already two grand slams for each of them. Number 1 and number 2 in the world. They’re creating their own story…We need to let them create their own rivalries and their own story. They don’t need the comparisons with us. Let’s see at the end of their careers, then will be the moment to compare what they did and what we did.
Rafael Nadal told DAZN.com
Sinner and Alcaraz have faced each other ten times so far on the tour. The latter has won six times, with the most recent win coming in the 2024 China Open final.
Rafael Nadal hails Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner
Rafael Nadal feels that this is not the right time to compare eras. But the 14-time French Open champion is also in awe of the two youngsters. Nadal, who played alongside Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 Paris Olympics and will feature in the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh alongside Jannik Sinner, hailed the two youngsters for their achievements at such a young age.
He wished the two superstars the best and hoped that they would not fall prey to injuries like Nadal suffered during his career.
They’re doing great. They’re very young. They’re already achieving amazing things, winning Grand Slams and Masters 1000s.. creating great numbers. These two guys especially, Carlos and Jannik, are making a special thing. I wish them all the very best to keep growing. They’re already huge stars. I’m sure if they’re able to stay free of injuries, they’re gonna build an amazing career.
Rafael Nadal said
Sinner, 23, and Alcaraz, 22 have won two and four Grand Slam titles respectively. This year, the Italian claimed the Australian Open and US Open while Alcaraz lifted his second consecutive Wimbledon title and his maiden Roland Garros title.
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Ritesh Pathak
(2150 Articles Published)