Just 21 years old and the world at his feet. That is the magic that Carlos Alcaraz has spread across the tennis world. With 4 Grand Slam titles, 16 ATP Tour-level titles and an Olympic medal in his accolades bag, there is barely anything that’s left for him to conquer. “Alcaraz has everything”, as the Australian former tennis player, Pat Cash, rightly puts it. How come one will not compare him to the Big 3? Especially the retired legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Speaking to Tennis 365 in Hong Kong, where he is the ambassador of the tournament that is played in the first week of the next season, Cash opened up on Alcaraz and tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

“Alcaraz has everything,” the Australian pointed out. “I have never seen a tennis player who developed his game so well at such a young age. There are always areas where a lot of improvement can be made at that age, but he is incredibly complete. He is fast as lightning, he can play on any surface and at this moment I would rank him as the favorite in every tournament, along with Jannik Siner.” Then follows a comparison with some of the greatest aces in history.

“Look at Federer. He had to improve his backhand during his career. Or Nadal, who had to improve his volleys. They had to work on those shots throughout their careers,” Cash said. In contrast, Cash described Alcaraz as “already complete when he was 20 years old.” Cash expressed hope for Alcaraz’s future, adding, “I hope that he will continue to enjoy his tennis and not feel burdened.”

Here’s what Big 3 and Alcaraz’s resume looked like while they were aged 20 years:

• While Federer had no Grand Slam titles by 20, Alcaraz has already secured four.
• Alcaraz’s idol, Rafael Nadal, completed the Career Grand Slam at 24 years, 3 months and 10 days.
• In 2008, at age 20, Djokovic disrupted Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s streak of 11 consecutive majors by winning his first major title at the Australian Open.

While Cash made a bold statement about the Spaniard, it seems like renowned ATP coach Jeremy Chardy doesn’t seem to fall on the same page.

ATP coach disagrees with tennis legend’s statement on Carlos Alcaraz

It all started for the Spaniard when he won his first title in 2021, aged just 18, at the Plava Laguna Croatia Open, defeating Frenchman Richard Gasquet in straight sets. With the win, he broke two major records. One, for being the youngest player to win an ATP title after 2008 and the youngest Spaniard to win the title after 17 long years. All this has left little to no impact on Jeremy Chardy.

“I saw Cash’s words, but I think Carlos can still improve a lot,” Chardy said. “He still plays like a young tennis player, attacks every ball to the maximum, has that energy, but I expect him to be much more complete in a few years – Shardi points out that Alcaraz needs experience. – It’s really amazing how he’s already playing, but it’s not realistic to say that someone with 21 years already complete.”

With many significant improvements still to be done, Serena and Venus Williams’ childhood coach, Rick Macci, suggested that he can succeed in the upcoming season should he improve in one key aspect. “The key for Alcaraz will be his serve and getting free lunches or setting the table to eat right away,” said Macci.

Opening up on the Spaniard, Roger Federer also suggested that Carlitos has all the power and intensity in the world but highlighted one major issue. “Obviously he’s got to be careful, you know, (that) he doesn’t run basically for every ball because it’s not necessary,” said Federer in September 2024. But, he assured that with age, he will learn about these aspects and improve his game.

While Cash sees Alcaraz as a prodigy who has already matched the best in the game, Chardy believes the young star has yet to reach his full potential. Will he be able to achieve this? Do let us know in the comments below!