“These three could be the three greatest ever. This is a special time that we have got, and we should enjoy it while it’s still there,” John McEnroe, an 11-time GS champion, said back in 2020, showering praises on the sport’s greatest trio: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Well, at the time, all three were still competing at the highest level. But now, only Djokovic remains, carrying the legacy forward as the lone megastar. However, another name who is rapidly making his way to stardom is from the land of the ‘La Tomatina festival.’ It’s Carlos Alcaraz, no prizes for guessing folks! The Spaniard has already made waves in the tennis world with 4 GS titles and he has now shared his thoughts on the next generation’s “Big 3.” But is there such a thing?

The Big 3: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer are widely regarded as the greatest trio in professional tennis history. For almost two decades, they dominated men’s singles, amassing a staggering 66 GS titles between them. The Serbian leads the pack now with a record 24 major titles, followed by Nadal with 22 and Federer with 20. Their supremacy extended beyond just trophies, as they collectively held the world’s top ranking for 947 weeks, an equivalent of 18 years: Djokovic for 428 weeks, Federer for 310, and Nadal for 209. Not only that, but one of them finished as the year-end top ranked player every year from 2004 to 2023, except in 2016 and 2022. 

The trio also occupied the top three ATP rankings together on 8 occasions, proving their unparalleled consistency and dominance on the 27-foot court. The Spanish sensation Carlitos weighed in on this incredible legacy recently, offering his thoughts on which current players he believes have the potential to match or even surpass the achievements of the three.

Speaking to El Nuevo Día, Alcaraz said, “It’s complicated. They have set the bar for tennis and what can be done at a stratospheric level. There are many players capable of winning a ‘grand slam’, of beating the best. Young people, and I include myself, the truth is that they can be fighting there for great things.”

The Spaniard continued, “But to get to the point of that rivalry between Rafa, Federer and Djokovic, the truth is that this is practically going to be impossible to repeat. We will have our battles; I will have my battles with great players, but a rivalry like theirs will be practically impossible.” However, what about Alcaraz and Sinner? Aren’t they on a path toward becoming the “Big 2” of the modern generation?

Jannik Sinner, despite facing a ‘three-month’ ban because of an alleged doping controversy recently, had a stellar 2024 and an even more impressive 2025, emphatically clinching the AO. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz, widely regarded as a “teen phenomenon,” has been a rising force in tennis since turning professional in 2018 at just 15. Alcaraz has already captured 4 GS titles, compared to Sinner’s three, bringing their combined total to 7 majors: a remarkable feat for two young guns.

However, when stacked against the “Big 3”, their journey to greatness is still a very long one. To match or surpass the legendary records of the trio, they would need to secure at least 35 more GS titles, and that’s excluding Djokovic’s ongoing achievements (24)! The sheer scale of this challenge is astounding even to read, highlighting the near-unattainable dominance the three have had over the sport.

And, not only about the potential replacement of Big 3, but, Alcaraz also shed light on his experience playing against the three.

“It has been incredible” — Carlos Alcaraz on playing the Big Three

Carlos Alcaraz has faced off against the trio numerous times, particularly against Rafa and Novak. While he never competed against Roger on the ATP Tour, apart from a practice session at the Rolex Shanghai Masters last year, he has had three encounters with his fellow countryman Rafa and he leads their H2H 2-1.

Carlitos’ rivalry with Djokovic has been more extensive, having played 8 matches, with the Serbian leading 5-3, including a recent victory over Alcaraz in the Australian Open QF. And While speaking to El Nuevo Día, Alcaraz reflected on his experiences facing these two tennis icons.

“Well, with Federer I coincided much less. With Rafa in his last years and with Djokovic I am still fighting. But it is a source of pride; in the end they are three of the best in the history of our sport. To have coincided even a little with some, and with others, for me has been incredible. They are references. Rafa has been my idol and the other two, I have great respect for what they have done, and great admiration. So, having shared with them, for me it has been incredible,” the World No. 3 said.

Alcaraz is currently in Puerto Rico for the Battle of Legends, which will take place this Sunday at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum. The American Frances Tiafoe, currently ranked number 18, will compete against him in a charity match. After this event, the Spaniard will head to the BNP Paribas Open, starting on March 3, where he is already a two-time champion. Are you backing him Carlos to win the trophy again at the Indian Wells?