Thanasi Kokkinakis has issued a serious assertion because the world No. 77 says it’s “fair” to check Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz to the Massive Three, at the least talent-wise.
This yr, Sinner, 23, posted a shocking 73-6 document – gained eight titles, together with two two Grand Slams and the ATP Finals – reached the world No. 1 rating and likewise led Italy to the Davis Cup title.
On the opposite aspect, Alcaraz picked up 13 losses this yr however he got here up massive when it mattered probably the most – he gained the French Open and Wimbledon. Additionally, he fell simply wanting successful the Paris Olympics after Djokovic delivered one in all his greatest performances in years within the last.
For a few years, the Massive Three completely dominated the Grand Slam scene. For the reason that common perception is that Sinner and the Spaniard separated themselves from the remainder of the competitors, some are already evaluating them to the three biggest gamers in tennis historical past and backing to have a Massive Three-like dominance in Slams sooner or later.
Kokkinakis, who performed towards each Massive Three member and famously upset Federer of their lone assembly, has zero wins and 4 losses towards Sinner and he was additionally crushed by Alcaraz of their lone match that got here final yr. And after experiencing the way it felt to play towards all 5 gamers in query, the 28-year-old Australian believes the comparisons are respectable.
“I feel it’s truthful to check them to the Massive 3. Accolades-wise, possibly it’s not (Jannik has two Slams and Carlos 4 Majors) as there may be a lot extra of their profession to play out, however when it comes to potential and expertise they’re proper up there. The stuff they will do is fairly particular. The best way Sinner and Alcaraz transfer… they’re there with a first-rate Djokovic. They’re going to be a the highest for a really very long time,” Kokkinakis told Tennis365.
“Jannik and Carlos are the favorites, with Novak just behind them. Zverev is playing some great tennis, but you would say those Jannik, Carlos and Novak are just ahead of him. You can’t write Novak out. It looked like he was taking a bit of a decline and then he goes out and play like that and win the Olympic gold. That shows you can never write him out.”
Nadal pumped the brakes on the Alcaraz & Sinner – Big Three comparisons
When the 21-year-old introduced himself to the big scene in 2022, he was hurled by the constant comparisons to his idol Nadal. Throughout the entire 2022, the former 22-time Grand Slam champion was urging the Spanish public but also all tennis fans not to compare Alcaraz to him because it could lead to massive pressure and expectations and ultimately negatively impact the young Spaniard’s career.
However, the current world No. 3 was able to block out that noise and land four Grand Slams by the age of 21. And now, he is not only compared to his idol but also to Djokovic and Federer.
When asked about those comparisons in October, Nadal applauded the 21-year-old and the Italian tennis star by saying they were doing “particular issues.” But he also remarked that Sinner and Alcaraz should be given a chance to “write their very own story” instead of being compared to the Big Three.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal© Roland Garros/Instagram – Fair Use
“They’re doing great. They’re very young. They’re already achieving amazing things, winning Grand Slams and Masters 1000s.. creating great numbers. These two guys especially, Carlos and Jannik, are making a special thing. I wish them all the very best to keep growing. They’re already huge stars. I’m sure if they’re able to stay free of injuries, they’re gonna build an amazing career,” Nadal instructed DAZN in October.
“We have to wait, however in fact. This yr already two grand slams for every of them. Number one and quantity 2 on this planet. They’re creating their very own story. I feel it’s not a second to check eras. As a result of Novak remains to be there. Roger and myself left.. however that’s a part of the sports activities profession of everybody. Now it’s a brand new era coming. We have to allow them to create their very own rivalries and their very own story. They don’t want the comparisons with us. Let’s see on the finish of their careers, then would be the second to compete what they did and what we did.”
