Carlos Alcaraz described as a ‘blessing’ during ‘pivotal moment for tennis’

Carlos Alcaraz’s arrival could not have come at a better time for tennis as the sport starts to prepare for life after the Big Three, according to Madrid Open Tournament Director Feliciano Lopez.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have ruled tennis the past two decades as they have won 64 Grand Slams between them, dominated the world No 1 ranking and set numerous other records along the way.
However, Federer retired in September last year while there are major doubts over Nadal’s future as he has played only four matches this year due to a hip injury. Age is also not on his side as he turns 37 on June 3.
Although Djokovic remains a dominant figure on the Tour as he won the season-opening Grand Slam, the Australian Open, and is currently top of the ATP Rankings, he is also in the twilight of his career as he will turn 36 on May 22.
But while the Big Three are on the way down, Alcaraz is on the up and he has already reached the top as he won his maiden Grand Slam at the age of 19 at the US Open last year and also became the youngest world No 1.
Many believe the Spaniard will dominate the sport over the next decade or so and could eventually surpass many of the records currently held by Djokovic, Nadal and Federer.
Alcaraz won his 10th ATP Tour singles title over the weekend when he successfully defend his Madrid Open trophy and former world No 12 Feliciano Lopez feels it is “important” for the sport to have “someone like Carlos right now”.
“It is not often that you see someone so young with that kind of energy and who can connect with the public. It’s a blessing for tennis to have this player who, at only 20 years old, has already won a Grand Slam and been No 1,” he told French publication L’Equipe.
“Because we are at a pivotal moment with Federer gone, Nadal, whom we don’t know yet how long he’ll play, and Novak who’s 35. It’s even more important to have someone like Carlos right now.”
Alcaraz and Djokovic will both be in action at the same tournament for the first time this year as they are in the main draw of the Italian Open. The Spaniard missed the start of the season as well as the Monte Carlo Masters due to injury while Djokovic missed the Sunshine Double due to his unvaccinated status and the Madrid Open because of injury.
READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz rubs shoulders with Messi as he wins Laureus World Sport Award
Latest
-
Tennis Features
Six ways clay courts are superior to hard courts
Clay courts often get a bad rap with the odd player gripe repeated endlessly in the media, but the surface has a number of big upsides.
-
Tennis News
WATCH: Intense Felix Auger-Aliassime brushes off Laver Cup spat with Gael Monfils
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Gael Monfils shared some heated moments after the Canadian complained to the umpire during their Laver Cup clash.
-
ATP Tour
More questions for Andy Murray to answer after another agonising defeat
Andy Murray blew an early lead as he crashed to defeat against Aslan Karatsev in the last 16.
-
Tennis News
Roger Federer reveals what he misses about tennis as Rafael Nadal surprises him
Speaking in an interview with former world No 1 Jim Courier at the Laver Cup, the 20-time Grand Slam champion reflected on how his life chan
-
US Open
Top coach spotted Coco Gauff’s potential very early on
Patrick Mouratoglou has revealed that Coco Gauff left a big impression on him during their first meeting.
-
Tennis News
British star set for rankings breakthrough after a decade on the ATP Tour
Liam Broady set to break into the top 100 of the ATP rankings for the first time.
-
Tennis News
Guadalajara proves a balm for Maria Sakkari’s suffering once again
Maria Sakkari feels that the bond between herself and Guadalajara has grown closer after another deep run in the Mexican city.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic hits raw nerve with tennis chiefs after latest controversial comments
Djokovic has made some radical proposals that would ensure the huge amounts of cash being generated by gambling goes to tennis players.
-
Tennis News
Ben Shelton salutes the three players who have taken him under their wing
Ben Shelton has paid homage to the brotherhood of the top American men in the game.
-
Tennis News
Can Cameron Norrie still reach the ATP Tour finals powered by strong Asian swing?
Cameron Norrie is out to reach the ATP Tour finals this term.