Rafael Nadal believes now is not the right time to start comparing two young stars of the men’s game to their predecessors.
The Spaniard has hailed the rise of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz who have both won two major titles this year and currently occupy the top two spots in the PIF ATP rankings. 21-year-old Alcaraz has won four ATP trophies this season and a silver medal at the Olympic Games. Meanwhile, Sinner, who is two years older, has claimed a Tour-leading seven titles in 2024 and has already secured the year-end No.1 ranking for the first time.
Given the duo’s rise, there have inevitably been comparisons between them and that of the Big Three. A trio consisting of Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer who between them have won 294 ATP titles. In Alcaraz’s case, he has been constantly compared to his idol and compatriot Nadal.
“They’re doing great. They’re very young,” Nadal said during a recent interview with DAZN Sports.
“They’re already achieving amazing things, winning Grand Slams, winning Masters 1000s, creating great numbers. They are very young, Carlos, Jannik, these guys especially are making a special thing.”
Elaborating further about Sinner and Alcaraz, the 22-time Grand Slam champion believes they should be given room to create their own paths in the sport instead of being compared to the achievements of others.
“We need to wait, but of course. This year already two grand slams for each of them. No. 1 and No. 2 in the world. So they are creating their own story,” he continued.
“I think it’s not a moment to compare eras. Because Novak is still there. Roger and myself, we left, going to leave soon.But that’s part of the sports career of everyone.
“Now it’s a new generation coming. We need to let them create their own rivalries and their own story. They don’t need the comparisons with us. And let’s see at the end of their careers, then will be the moment to compete what they did and what we did.”
All three players will be in action this week at the King Six Slam exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most lucrative non-tour events in history. All participants will receive $1.5M in prize money and the champion will be awarded a staggering $6M.
Nadal, who has received a bye in the quarter-finals, will play his first match on Thursday against either Alcaraz or Holger Rune. He will be using the event to sharpen up his tennis ahead of the Davis Cup next month where he will be playing his last competitive match before retiring from the sport.
