Why Carlos Alcaraz Might Become The Greatest Player Of All Time

Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest player to have ever been the world no. 1 last year at just 19 years old, and now at 20 years old, he is already a two-time Grand Slam champion. He is often referred to as the successor of fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal. I believe that he has not only lived up to but has also exceeded the expectations that were placed upon him. 

Alcaraz might end up as the GOAT. Credit: Getty Images

Carlos Alcaraz claimed his second Grand Slam title after defeating the current GOAT, Novak Djokovic, at Wimbledon 2023 in a five-set thriller. By denying Djokovic’s attempt to win his third Slam of 2023, Alcaraz leads the way into the new era of men’s tennis as he ends the dominant era of the Big 3 - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Moving into the new era of men’s tennis, Alcaraz is expected to be one of the top players dominating the tour in the next decade or two. His all-round approach to the game is like no other. He is aggressive and dares to take risks with his huge groundstrokes, goes up to the net as often as he can, plays the drop shots exquisitely and is very fast on his feet, which allows him to play defensively when needed.

There are already interesting rivalries in the new generation of players, particularly between Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune. These three young bloods have been delivering great tennis for the last year or two, and they all have been or are currently ranked in the top 10 already. They will be looking to dominate the tennis game for many years to come. However, this rivalry does not necessarily mean that they will go on to become another Big 3. It's simply a new era of rivalry, and the Big 3 will forever remain in our hearts. 

Alcaraz seems to be the perfect mix of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. He has got the net game of Federer, the fighting spirit of Nadal and the defence of Djokovic. Possessing the traits of the best players from the past two decades combined, Alcaraz is a force to be reckoned with. 

Alcaraz is a unique player with an aggressive all-court game like no other. He may be better or just as good as the Big 3 before they turned 20. Here are the Big 3’s highest rankings before they turned 20: 

Roger Federer: 14 

Rafael Nadal: 2 

Novak Djokovic: 5 

Carlos Alcaraz was the only player in the history of tennis to become the year-end No. 1 as a teenager - a feat that none of the Big 3 achieved. Also, amongst the Big 3, only Nadal was able to lift a Grand Slam trophy before turning 20. 

It is too early to say whether Alcaraz will be able to match or even surpass what the Big 3 have achieved in their career. However, at the moment he has shown potential to do so and many believe that he will be able to. 

There was nothing but praise about Carlos from fellow players and legends of the sport. This was what they had to say:

Mats Wilander: "The most exciting tennis player that has ever walked on a tennis court."

Novak Djokovic: “People have been talking about his game consisting of certain elements from Roger, Rafa, and myself. I’d agree with that. He’s basically got the best of all 3 worlds… I haven’t played a player like him ever.”

Petra Kvitová: “I like Carlos a lot, how he moves, the things he returns – it’s beautiful! I’m glad someone like him will follow in the footsteps of Roger and Rafa.”

Roberto Bautista Agut: “He’s a charming and humble kid. His coach is doing a phenomenal job of guiding him in that regard because he’s been through the same thing. I’m so happy that everything is going so well for them." 

Stefanos Tsitsipas: “One of the most talented players I have ever seen.”

John McEnroe: “Best 20-year-old I've ever seen.”

Many had the same concern for Alcaraz as they had for Rafael Nadal early on in his career. It is whether or not Alcaraz will be able to maintain his fitness and body for the two-decade-long career he has ahead of him. We have seen Nadal struggle with his injuries over the years while winning Slams, and I wonder if Alcaraz's body will be able to hold up. 

At the moment, Carlos Alcaraz is here to stay. Behind the champion is a humble, fun and nice person. In the last year and a half, Alcaraz rose to the top of the rankings at an unbelievable speed; however, he has never lost sight of his goals to remain true to himself and enjoy the game.