Serena Williams’ former coach states why it’s hard to compare Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz to the Big Three

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Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have effortlessly taken over from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in men’s tennis.

Collectively known as the Big Three, the legendary trio dominated the ATP Tour in their prime, winning match after match and trophy after trophy.

Federer and Nadal have retired from the sport, but Djokovic is still causing a problem for many despite approaching 40 years old.

The Serbian has, however, often found it very difficult against Sinner and Alcaraz in recent times, although he’s still been able to challenge their dominance.

But it’s definitely difficult to compare the different ATP eras, at least in the eyes of a former coach of Serena Williams.

Hard to compare Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz to the Big Three

Rick Macci, who coached the legendary WTA player, wrote on X: “Tough to compare Alcaraz and Sinner to the Fed, Rafa and Joker because the eyeball test show depending on the surface and day would have the final say.

“But the big three would be using different sticks and strings and their game would have different subtle things.

“But they all would thrive and we would have the BIG FIVE.”

One can only imagine the blockbuster tennis that would be on show week in, week out with an ATP Big Five.

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But for now the presence of Sinner and Alcaraz, and to a lesser extent Djokovic, means men’s tennis remains hugely exciting.

A new challenger, however, would be welcomed by many fans, which was certainly the case when Alexander Zverev won the recent French Open.

Who is the biggest threat to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz?

The recent dominance of Sinner and Alcaraz is nothing new, and neither is the real lack of a serious challenger.

Zverev definitely deserves huge praise for his efforts in Paris, where he claimed his maiden Grand Slam title.

But there was the hugely significant issue of Alcaraz missing the French Open with injury, with the same scenario playing out as Sinner won Wimbledon.

Neither player is unbeatable, but combining to win 10 of the last 11 Grand Slam titles clearly shows that they are levels above right now.

That is also evident via the ATP rankings, with Sinner in number one and Alcaraz in number three despite his lengthy absence.

Zverev occupies second place and Felix Auger-Aliassime is fourth, with Alex de Minaur completing the top five.

But whether or not they could win a Grand Slam with both Sinner and Alcaraz in the field is up for debate, with just the US Open remaining in this year’s Grand Slam calendar.