Carlos Alcaraz asked about ‘obsession’ with reaching Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer levels
Carlos Alcaraz admits he would “like to be the best in history and sit at the Big Three table”, but he has dismissed suggestions that he is “obsessed” with reaching the standards of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
The trio of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have dominated tennis the past two decades as they have won all there is to win in the sport. They shared 66 Grand Slams with Djokovic winning 24, Nadal 22 and Federer 20 while the Serbian also spent a record 428 weeks at No 1 in the ATP Rankings.
The Big Three are the standard-bearers for the current generation of players and Alcaraz has made no secret of the fact that he would not only like to emulate them.
He has started his career in brilliant fashion as he has already won four Grand Slams and holds the record as the youngest-ever world No 1 as he achieved the feat when he was only 19 years old while he has already won the Surface Slam as he lifted majors on clay, grass and hard courts.
In an interview with GQ Spain, it was stated to Alcaraz that “It seems you’re obsessed with reaching the level of those Big Three” and he replied: “I am not obsessed. I’ve always said I’d like to be the best in history and sit at the Big Three table, but those are big words, not an obsession.
“And I always say that I’d like to be remembered as an inspiration to the little ones, and as someone who had fun doing what he loved most, with a smile on his face and making people enjoy themselves.”
He also added of his current position of three in the ATP Rankings: “I was No 1 a few years ago, and I was happy. Now I’m number three, and I’m equally happy. And enjoying the journey, the sport, and life.”
Some people have compared Alcaraz’s game to that of Nadal while others believe he is more like Federer although there are also similarities to Djokovic.
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However, the four-time Grand Slam winner had a different answer when asked about the comparisons.
“I don’t really like comparisons. Obviously, it’s a compliment to be compared to the three greatest players of all time, but I’m Carlos Alcaraz, and I’m just trying to make my way, nothing more,” he stated.
Federer retired from professional tennis in 2022 after more than two decades as a professional while Nadal hung up his racket in November last year, leaving Djokovic as the last member of the Big Three standing.
Alcaraz turned pro in 2018 and made his breakthrough in 2021 before winning his first Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open.
When asked “How many years do you see yourself playing tennis?” he answered: “I don’t know, I hope it’s many. Roger, Rafa, and Novak have had very long careers, keeping the flame burning and overcoming all kinds of problems, both sporting and physical.
“I’ve only just begun my career, although I’ve achieved many important things in a short time. We’ll see how far I go.”
