No new Big Three just yet as it’s only a Big One with Carlos Alcaraz dominating, saying Holger Rune
Holger Rune has scoffed at suggestions that a new Big Three is forming in men’s tennis, saying as things stand there is only a “Big One” as Carlos Alcaraz is the only one who has won Grand Slams.
With Roger Federer retiring last year and Rafael Nadal confirming the 2024 season will be his last on the ATP Tour, the original Big Three is on its last end with only Novak Djokovic still going strong.
Many fear that there will be a void in the game over the coming years, hence the search for a new Big Three rivalry.
Some believe Rune together with Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will be the players to take over the mantle from Djokovic, Nadal and Federer, but Rune has cautioned against getting carried away too soon as he feels only one of the three has proven his credentials so far.
And that person is Alcaraz.
The Spaniard made his Grand Slam breakthrough at the US Open last year when he defeated Casper Ruud in the final and he doubled at Wimbledon just under a month ago when he beat 23-time major champion Djokovic.
By contrast, Rune and Sinner are yet to reach the final of a Grand Slam with the latter’s best display a run to the Wimbledon semi-final this year while the Norwegian has reached a couple of quarter-finals.
“I know and I heard people talk about it [but] I think it’s too early to say, only one of us has won Grand Slams and that’s Carlos, but yeah I mean we’re young of course, we have time on our side,” Rune said.
“But still we got to get the results. I know I have to focus on myself and I’m sure Jannik, I’m sure Alcaraz does that and [each has to] follow their own journey. It’s a good debate for tennis.”
Alcaraz is clearly ahead of the pack as he has already won 12 singles titles at the age of 20 while he is also currently No 1 in the ATP Rankings.
So what makes Alcaraz so special?
“I think the energy he brings to the court is hard to match and he has a big variation to his game, it’s not just one shot, it’s the whole game is able to mix it up a lot when he needs to and make it uncomfortable for the opponent,” Rune said.
“Not many players do that these days so it is definitely a big advantage.”
