Nadal says Alcaraz and Sinner “don’t need” comparisons to him, Federer and Djokovic

Rafael Nadal emphasized his respect for Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, but encouraged the media not to compare them to him or their arch-rivals.

The era of Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic dominating tennis and playing each other at or near their peaks is considered by most to be the best the sport has ever seen.

Other great players won Grand Slams during this time, such as Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka, but Nadal, Federer and Djokovic undoubtedly established themselves as the three dominant forces.

The incredible rivalry that this trio had forged led to widespread sadness among tennis fans around the world when Federer retired just over two years ago at the Laver Cup. He played doubles with Nadal in his farewell match in London.

Those emotions will be repeated when Nadal retires from professional tennis after the Davis Cup final in November. What could be his last game against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals is reselling at crazy prices above 30,000 euros.

The retirement of Federer and Nadal and the fact that Djokovic is 37 means that the formation of new rivalries is essential for tennis. It may not be long until Djokovic also retires, after admitting that a large part of him has already left the sport following his rival’s retirement announcements.

Although there are many great players on the ATP Tour, many hope that Alcaraz and Sinner’s rivalry can become as epic as the one between Nadal, Federer and Djokovic.

Alcaraz and Sinner have already played several great matches, including five-set battles at the US Open and the French Open and their recent China Open final, in which Alcaraz outlasted the Italian after more than three hours.

However, Nadal believes that it is unwise to compare Alcaraz and Sinner with the so-called Big Three. Speaking to DAZN ahead of the Six Kings Slam, the 22-time Grand Slam champion believes the next generation of players should be able to build their own rivalries.

“I think it’s not a time to compare eras. Because Novak is still there. Roger and myself left.. but that’s part of everyone’s sports career. Now a new generation is coming.”

“We have to let them create their own rivalries and their own history. They don’t need the comparisons to us. We’ll see at the end of their careers.”

Instead of focusing on how he, Federer and Djokovic measure up, Nadal preferred to focus on what Alcaraz and Sinner are currently achieving and praised them for doing great things.

“They are doing very well. They are very young. They are already achieving amazing things, winning Grand Slams and Masters 1000s…creating big numbers. These two guys in particular, Carlos and Jannik, are doing something special. I wish them the best to continue growing. They are already big stars.”

“I’m sure if they’re able to stay injury-free, they’ll have an amazing run. We have to wait, but of course. There’s already two Grand Slams for each of them this year. No. 1 and No. 2. in the world”.