Many years have now passed since the peak of the ‘big three’ era in men’s tennis of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
The treble of stars dominated the ATP Tour during their primes, having claimed a combined total of 296 titles, 66 of which were secured at Grand Slams.
In the past two seasons, a new era has emerged, headlined by the ‘new two’, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Who will join Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in a new ‘big three’?
Many have drawn parallels between the big three and Sinner and Alcaraz, with some claiming the latter are delivering a higher standard.
Former world number seven David Goffin, who has played in both eras, thinks the level of tennis is about the same, but says there is one big difference nowadays, which is ‘amazing to see’.
David Goffin compares the current generation with the ‘big three’
In an interview with ‘Quality Shot Tennis‘, Goffin was asked to compare the current crop of stars with the previous generation.
He responded: “Yeah, it’s tough to compare, but of course, I play both generations.
“I would say physically, I think now the majority of the players are stronger than before because the fitness coaches and all the fitness preparation is better than before.
“I think you see how players slide on the hard court and how they’re strong, how they hit the ball. I think they are stronger and faster than before, so that’s the difference from the older generation.
“But the tennis is pretty much the same. Both generations were so talented, but the tennis improved, and they just hit the ball stronger, and they’re just faster.
“If you see how they hit the ball, like Carlos and Jannik now, it’s just amazing. They can hit winners from everywhere.
Has anyone in tennis history ever hit the ball as hard as Jannik Sinner does?
‘It was a little bit more rallies, more tactics before, but now they just go for it as soon as they have the chance to come in, and that’s amazing to see.”
David Goffin’s record against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner
Goffin has played both Sinner and Alcaraz on the ATP Tour before, with the Belgian boasting a rare winning record against the Spaniard.
He first faced Alcaraz in Melbourne during the 2021 season and lost their maiden clash in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.
A year later in Astana, Goffin earned his revenge, defeating Alcaraz with a straight-set victory of his own.
This year, the veteran emerged victorious in their third career bout at the Miami Open, where he came back from a set down to overcome Alcaraz.
Against Sinner, however, Goffin has had no joy, having lost to the Italian in their two meetings, both of which came in 2020.
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