Carlos Alcaraz has downplayed the suggestion that he has a responsibility to continue filling the void left by the Big Three by explaining that he feels no pressure to do so.
The 22-year-old has become a dominant force on the ATP Tour, especially when it comes to Grand Slams. Alcaraz and rival Jannik Sinner have won the past eight major events between them. He is already a two-time champion at the French Open, US Open and Wimbledon. Giving him a shot at achieving a career Grand Slam next year in Melbourne.
Alcaraz’s rivalry with Sinner is regarded as the new era of men’s tennis following the Big Three, which are made up of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Out of the trio, 38-year-old Djokovic is the only one still playing, but his last major triumph was at the 2023 US Open and he hasn’t played in a final since.
“I don’t think about being the best ambassador for tennis and having the pressure to do it,” Alcaraz told reporters at the Laver Cup.
“I think tennis players in general are ambassadors of tennis, just to play great tennis and get the people to watch tennis.
“I try my best in every match. I like and I love playing tennis. That’s why I just play with such good joy and that smile, and I like playing great shots, great points, and try to show that in the matches.”
Alcaraz has achieved a win-loss record of 61-6 so far this season, winning seven titles. Besides winning two majors, he has also won three Masters 1000s and two ATP 500s. His career title total is currently 23 on the ATP Tour.
“I’m thinking about myself, about enjoying as much as I can every time that I step on the court, and that I go to the tournaments,” he continued.
“I love it when I see people enjoying watching tennis. For me, that’s the most important feeling. That’s all I try to do.”
Alcaraz’s dominance has been hailed by Pat Rafter, who is the vice-captain for Team World at the Laver Cup. He is a former world No.1 player who won the US Open twice during his career. Over the next three days, Rafter’s job will be coaching his team to try to beat the Spaniard, along with captain Andre Agassi.
“Alcaraz is a weapon. He’s someone who is at the top of his game right now, and he and Sinner are dominating a lot of the tournaments,” he said.
“The guy has serious power. He’s a great athlete, but everyone is vulnerable at certain times. It’s about trying to go in there and coming up with a game plan.
“He’s tough. He’s brutal, and he’s at the top of his game.”
On the opening day of the Laver Cup, Alcaraz is scheduled to play in the doubles, which will be the final match taking place.
