Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are two of, if not the two best male players in the world at the moment.
It’s quite ironic how, just as the Big Three’s influence has started to wane, this outstanding pair have shot to infamy.
With six Grand Slams shared between them already, legendary status awaits at the end of their careers, but they still have some way to go before they can even dream about competing with the trio that came before them.
However, Andy Roddick has been forced to argue with one high-profile figure within the sport, who was suggesting that they had already surpassed those levels.
Andy Roddick reacts to Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner
Speaking on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast, the former world number one couldn’t help but comb back through the recent tennis action.
After all, fans were treated to the ultimate ATP spectacle in Beijing, watching Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner clash once again, but this time, in the final.
However, whilst he struggled to find the words to describe their respective superiority, Roddick couldn’t help but disagree with what he had heard one of his former rivals say.
Mats Wilander claimed that Alcaraz and Sinner are already ahead of the Big Three. The American argued: ‘We had that Sinner Alcaraz epic. Imagine the expectation for these two always being like 12/10, and like delivering a 14/10. It’s just… these guys are insane.
‘If you go watch the clips of their most recent match, it looks like they’re playing video games. These guys are just studs.
‘If you look at the consistency they’re starting to put together and these comparisons will inevitably only get bigger, Mats Wilander said like ‘I think they’re playing at a higher level than the big three ever did’… I love Mats, I don’t know if I’m there yet. I think that’s a massive statement.
‘But, it does point to something that we can all agree on, that these two are just separating from the field. I think that’s almost an understatement, without being disrespectful to the field.’
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are a cut above the rest
Whilst it might be a stretch to suggest that they are already beyond the big three, it’s undeniable that this duo are a cut above the rest of the current pack.
That is, despite Alcaraz only occupying the number three spot in the ATP world rankings.
Last week’s final showcased that brilliantly, with the bruising nature of their match standing as evidence.
Few could have competed with the manner in which they struck the ball, or the majesty on show when changing shots.
It’s why there are few on tour who boast a successful record against either of them, and why the four Grand Slams were shared between them both.
It’ll be interesting to see if anyone can disrupt their duopoly in the coming years.
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