Spanish tennis legend compares the ‘illogical’ Big 3 era to the ‘normal’ era of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are the frontrunners to build a new era in tennis after the Big 3 members.

Spanish tennis legend compares the ‘illogical’ Big 3 era to the ‘normal’ era of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

Roger Federer Rafael Nadal Novak Djokovic Jannik Sinner Carlos Alcaraz (via X)

Former ATP Finals champion Alex Corretja has weighed in on the popular debate about the Big 3 and the new era of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard, who was once ranked World No. 2, claimed that the Big 3 era was “illogical” compared to the current “normal” era of Sinner and Alcaraz.

Corretja believes that the Big 3 raised the bar so high that it will be difficult for players like Sinner and Alcaraz to maintain that level of consistency. Both players are currently ranked in the top 3 of the ATP rankings.

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The era of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic was illogical. What was happening was extraordinary, and what is happening now is normal. There will always be players who stand out more, but it is harder to remain consistent. Today, there are more distractions. Before, we only thought about playing, but today there are many more concerns that can distract you from your goal.

Alex Corretja said on Eurosport

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic — known as the Big 3 — created the most dominant era in the history of tennis, winning 66 Grand Slam titles and over 100 Masters 1000 titles. Currently, only Djokovic remains active, as his two great rivals retired in 2022 and 2024, respectively.

Now, Alcaraz and Sinner appear ready to carry the torch of tennis. The duo have won seven Grand Slam titles and nine Masters 1000 titles so far in their respective careers.

Carlos Alcaraz poised to make more history on clay

The clay court tennis season is about to get busy across Europe. Carlos Alcaraz chose a special place to get ready for the Monte-Carlo Masters next week. He trained at La Manga Club in Murcia, Spain, on Wednesday.

Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon
Carlos Alcaraz (image via WImbeldon)

This club has seen many greats like Rafael Nadal, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and Carlos Moya. It has also hosted big tennis events like the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup. La Manga is a popular spot for tennis fans.

There are 28 courts at the club. Many people visit during spring and summer for tennis lessons and practice. Tourists there on Wednesday got a surprise — Alcaraz was training right next to them. Alcaraz is getting ready to defend his French Open title. Players like him and Nadal are experts at sliding on clay. It looks easy when they do it, but it takes a lot of skill and practice.

Carlos Alcaraz given a tough draw in Monte Carlo

Reigning French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz is the second seed at the tournament. He has won many titles on clay, but he hasn’t won a match in Monte Carlo yet. In 2022, he lost to Sebastian Korda in three sets. Injuries kept him out the past two years.

Carlos Alcaraz (ATP/X)
Carlos Alcaraz (ATP/X)

His first match won’t be easy. He will play either Fabio Fognini or Francisco Cerundolo. Fognini won the title in 2019 and even beat Nadal that year. Cerundolo has never played Fognini before.

If Alcaraz wins, he may face Felix Auger-Aliassime next. Felix is in good form and has already won two titles in 2025. Richard Gasquet and Matteo Arnaldi are other possible opponents in that round. In the quarter-finals, Alcaraz could meet 2023 champion Andrey Rublev. Frenchman Arthur Fils, who plays well on clay, is also in the mix for that spot.