Carlos Alcaraz Calls Facing Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic a ‘Pride’: The Rising Star’s Admiration for the Big Three

The New Tennis Phenom: Carlos Alcaraz’s Rise to Stardom

Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has already made an indelible mark on the sport. With a playing style that combines the defensive prowess of Novak Djokovic, the sheer power and spin of Rafael Nadal, and the finesse and elegance of Roger Federer, Alcaraz has drawn comparisons to the legendary Big Three. Andre Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion, once stated, “What I can tell you is that Alcaraz defends like Novak, has power and spin like Nadal, and has hands and finesse like Federer.”

Such high praise is well-deserved. Alcaraz became the youngest world No. 1 in history at just 19 years, 4 months, and 6 days old in late 2022. Since then, he has not only solidified his place in the tennis world but also defeated Novak Djokovic in two consecutive Wimbledon finals in 2023 and 2024. Achieving such milestones and being compared to the Big Three at just 21 years old is no small feat. But how does Alcaraz feel about the Big Three himself?

The Experience of Playing Against the Big Three

While Alcaraz has had the privilege of facing both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, his idol, he has yet to play against Roger Federer in an official ATP Tour match. However, he did get the rare opportunity to practice with the Swiss maestro during the Shanghai Masters in October 2024. Federer, who retired in 2022 after winning 20 Grand Slam titles, had previously expressed his desire to have played against Alcaraz.

Following Alcaraz’s first Grand Slam victory at the 2022 US Open, Federer admitted, “I’m sad I never played against Alcaraz. I really enjoyed watching the US Open.” This regret highlights the potential for what could have been an epic generational battle between a young rising star and an all-time great.

In a recent interview, Alcaraz opened up about his experience facing the Big Three. When asked about the opportunity to play against them, he humbly stated, “Well, I didn’t get to play Federer much at all.” However, regarding Nadal and Djokovic, he added, “With Rafa in his final years and with Djokovic, I’m still competing. But it’s a source of pride; in the end, they are three of the best in the history of our sport. Rafa is my idol, and I have immense respect and admiration for the other two as well. Sharing the court with them is truly wonderful.”

Alcaraz’s Emotional Connection with Rafael Nadal

Being Spanish, Alcaraz has always looked up to Rafael Nadal more than any other player. His admiration for the 14-time Roland Garros champion was evident when Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis.

In October 2024, Nadal released an emotional video message stating, “Hello everyone. I’m here to let you know that I will retire from professional tennis.” He played his final match at the Davis Cup in November 2024, where Spain faced the Netherlands.

When asked if he tried to convince Nadal to continue playing, Alcaraz revealed, “No, not really. I wish I could have. The decision had already been made. I asked him if it was a tough decision, and he said yes, but it was something he had thought through carefully. These decisions aren’t made lightly.”

Like millions of tennis fans worldwide, Alcaraz felt the emotional weight of Nadal’s retirement. He admitted, “If someone had told me I had the chance to convince him to continue, I would have done it.”

Recent Performance: Struggles and Successes

Despite his young age, Alcaraz has already experienced the highs and lows of professional tennis. He reached the quarterfinals of the 2025 Australian Open in January, where he faced Djokovic. In a hard-fought battle, Djokovic emerged victorious with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win, ending Alcaraz’s campaign.

However, Alcaraz quickly regained momentum the following month at the ATP Rotterdam tournament. He defeated Andrey Rublev in the final, securing his first indoor hard-court title. Unfortunately, his performance took a dip at the Qatar Open in Doha, where he was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

These fluctuations in form are a natural part of a young player’s journey, but they also raise an important question: Can Carlos Alcaraz truly inherit the Big Three’s legacy?

Can Alcaraz Carry the Big Three’s Legacy Forward?

While Alcaraz’s talent is undeniable, even he acknowledges the difficulty of replicating the success of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. In a recent interview, he commented on the likelihood of a new “Big Three” emerging in tennis, saying, “I consider it practically impossible due to the exceptional level these players reached.”

Tennis legend Andre Agassi, while praising Alcaraz’s skill set, also cautioned against assuming that the Spaniard would automatically achieve the same level of success. “Just because he has elements of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic doesn’t mean he can accomplish what they did,” Agassi explained. “Decision-making, injuries, and luck all play a major role in shaping a player’s career.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Alcaraz?

Alcaraz is currently preparing for an exhibition event, the Battle of Legends, in Puerto Rico this Sunday. This special event is expected to be a thrilling showcase of talent, where he will demonstrate his skills against other top competitors.

Beyond exhibition matches, his main focus will be on improving his consistency and maintaining peak performance throughout the season. With his ability to adapt, his relentless work ethic, and his admiration for the greats who came before him, Alcaraz is well on his way to forging his own path in tennis history.

Conclusion: A Star in the Making

Carlos Alcaraz may still be in the early stages of his career, but his admiration for Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic fuels his drive to achieve greatness. While it remains to be seen if he can reach the heights of the Big Three, one thing is clear—he possesses the skill, mentality, and determination to leave an indelible mark on the sport.

As fans eagerly watch his journey unfold, the question remains: Will Alcaraz become the next great tennis legend? Only time will tell. But for now, he is enjoying the ride and relishing every opportunity to share the court with his idols.