The Next Big Three in Tennis
Tennis fans have been spoiled for years with a consistent set of “Big Three” players that have ruled the ATP landscape. However, as time has passed, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer have all battled age and health issues.
This has given way to a new generation of superstars and style of play. One that encompasses finesse and high spin. Only few can hit the shots needed to be considered elite, read on for which players I think will take the spot of the former “Big Three.”
#1 Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz is the most exceptional player of this generation – and perhaps even the next one, he really is that talented. Alcaraz broke out in the ATP scene as a young 18-year-old and has never looked back. The young superstar currently holds the #2 world ranking and is only 400 ranking points behind Novak Djokovic, the last man standing from the former “Big Three.”
Alcaraz has won eight ATP Tour level events, most notably winning a Slam in the U.S. Open and multiple masters-1000 level events in Indian Wells and Miami. Alcaraz has shown that he possesses the finesse, skill, and the ability to hit another level in pressure situations needed to be to the #1 player in the world for years to come.
#2 Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner is the next most talented player on the ATP circuit, right behind Alcaraz. The two players have already in fact had some intense battles this season alone, with Alcaraz claiming the first victory in Indian Wells and then Sinner coming back the following week and beating Alcaraz in the Miami Open. Alcaraz had been the defending champion of the Miami Open, so the win was considered a large feat for the 21-year-old Italian.
Sinner possesses one of the most lethal forehands and finesse games in the sport. Sinner’s match results typically come down to how he is physically conditioned and feeling mentally. If Sinner can stay healthy, there is no doubt he can even further improve his game and be one of the top three players of the next generation.
#3 Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev is the player that has butted heads with the former “Big Three” the most. While Medvedev is slightly older (27) than Sinner and Alcaraz, he will pose a significant threat to both s-tier players in every tournament he competes in.
Medvedev has 19 ATP Tour victories including the 2021 U.S. Open and the 2020 ATP Finals. Medvedev defeated Novak Djokovic in the finals at the U.S. Open to stop him from completing a Grand Slam sweep.
