Carlos Alcaraz has addressed whether he considers himself a better player than Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer were at his age.
The Spaniard proclaimed that it “doesn’t matter” what he achieves at the age of 21 if he “stagnates” as he expressed his hope to match the longevity of the Big Three.
Alcaraz, who turned 21 in May, claimed his third Grand Slam title with his triumph at the 2024 French Open, where he defeated Alexander Zverev in a five-set final.
The world No 2’s victory saw him add to his US Open and Wimbledon crowns to become the youngest man to secure a Major on all three surfaces.
Following Alcaraz’s Roland Garros win, tennis legends John McEnroe and Boris Becker both argued the Spaniard is better than Djokovic, Nadal and Federer were at 21.
Djokovic, Nadal and Federer make up the top three for the most men’s Grand Slam titles won in tennis history, having claimed 24, 22 and 20 respectively.
Is Carlos Alcaraz really better at 21 than Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal were?
The Murcian could win his fourth Grand Slam title at Wimbledon next month, where he is aiming to defend a Major for the first time in his career.
Asked if he feels he is better than Djokovic, Nadal and Federer were at the same age, Alcaraz explained he did not watch the legendary trio at this stage of their respective careers.
“I don’t remember. I’ve seen videos, but with some highlights, I can’t compare to them when they were my age,” he told Spanish reporters.
“As I have always said, it doesn’t matter what I achieved at 21 years old if I stagnate here. In the end, I want to continue my career and continue growing to get to where Djokovic, Rafa and Federer are until recently.
“The good ones and the greats have continued to improve during their careers until they reach the age of 37-38 in their prime.”
Alcaraz also discussed the challenge of dealing with his Roland Garros success, given Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics are just around the corner.
“You have to enjoy these types of moments after all the work and suffering to win these types of trophies,” Alcaraz said.
“You have to combine this with enjoyment, a little. At 21 years old, I am learning what I need and don’t need, how to do it and how not to do it.
“I am realising that I have to combine work and suffering with days of rest, freedom, doing what I like and feeling not like a tennis player but a normal person.
“That helps you isolate yourself and clear your mind to get back on track at 100 percent.”
