What Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have said about Carlos Alcaraz

With the era of Big 3 slowly entering its twilight, Carlos Alcaraz has emerged as the leader of a new generation of tennis stars. The Big 3 - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic - have each given their seal of approval to Alcaraz and commended him as the future of the sport.

Alcaraz had a breakout year in 2022, beginning with his entry into the ATP top 20 with a title win at the Rio Open. Competing at the Indian Wells Masters next, the young Spaniard showed his prowess as he battled past players like Cameron Norrie and Gael Monfils before falling to Nadal in the semifinals.

He won his maiden Masters 1000 title at the Miami Open and backed it up with a second Masters title in Madrid. His exceptional run of form culminated with him capturing his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open, following which he made history as the youngest player to finish the season as the year-end World No. 1.

Let's take a look at what tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have said about Carlos Alcaraz.

Roger Federer laments not having the opportunity to compete against Carlos Alcaraz

Speaking to the press ahead of the 2022 Laver Cup, Roger Federer said that the future of tennis is bright, with Carlos Alcaraz leading the way as the new superstar. The 20-time Grand Slam champion commended Alcaraz for his US Open triumph and lamented not having had the opportunity to compete against the youngster.

"Yes, of course, it's disappointing I was never able to play against him. Of course I watched him closely what he did at the US Open and throughout the year. It's been fantastic, and I always said there will be always new superstars in the game, and he's one of them. The game is bright," he said.

Alcaraz replied in kind following the news of Federer's retirement, saying he has always looked up to the Swiss as "a source of inspiration."

"Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration! Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! I still want to play with you! Wish you all the luck in the world for what comes next!," the Spaniard wrote.

In response, Federer thanked him and congratulated him on his US Open victory.

“Thanks for your kind words. Enjoying watching your rise. Congrats on the Open Carlitos,” the Swiss commented.

Rafael Nadal sees shades of himself in Carlos Alcaraz

In an exclusive interview with Eurosport prior to the 2022 Madrid Open, Rafael Nadal expressed his delight at seeing another Spanish star take over the sport.

"As everybody knows it's amazing. He's a big candidate to win a lot of Grand Slams and become the number one player in the world. What he is doing is fantastic so well done for him and I wish him all the very best," he said.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion pointed out the multiple similarities between himself and Alcaraz.

"He is doing a lot of things similar to me. He is young, he has the passion and the energy. He has every single thing to become a huge star. I'm like a Spanish spectator, personally I'm happy to have someone like him to stay on the tour for a long time and achieve a lot of things," he added.

Rafael Nadal backs Carlos Alcaraz to defeat Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz at the 2022 Madrid Open

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Rafael Nadal in the Madrid Open quarterfinals to set up a semifinal clash against Novak Djokovic. Following his defeat, Nadal expressed confidence in Alcaraz's ability to defeat any player in the world, including Novak Djokovic.

"I haven't seen Novak play this week. I don't know what will happen tomorrow, one of the best players in history is playing against a youngster at a very high level. Carlos can win perfectly, I don't see any reason why he can't win," Nadal said. "I think he has the level to beat anyone in the world, without a doubt."

Carlos Alcaraz did just that, defeating Djokovic to reach the finals of the Madrid Open, where he overcame second seed Alexander Zverev to win his second Masters 1000 title.

Nadal was all praise for the young Spaniard. However, he cautioned the tennis world not to put too much pressure on him with unnecessary comparisons.

"The only thing that we can do is enjoy the career of an amazing player like Carlos. It will be better, even if it's interesting, you stop comparing him to me," Nadal said.

"If he's able to win 25 Grand Slams, it's going to be amazing for him and for our country, and I will be happy for him. But let him enjoy his personal career. Don't put pressure, extra pressure, on him. Don't ask me every time... I am super happy to have an amazing player like him in our country."

Novak Djokovic praises Carlos Alcaraz's journey before Madrid Open clash

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz at the Madrid Open

Novak Djokovic applauded Carlos Alcaraz's journey ahead of their clash in the 2022 Madrid Open semifinals.

"Well, there is a lot of things that are special about him. I mean, he has broken a lot of records as the youngest player, top 10, obviously in the recent decades, because we had some amazing champions like Michael Chang when he was 16, you know, won a slam and so forth," the World No. 1 said.

"But, you know, nowadays we are not used to seeing somebody who is teenager and already getting to top 10 and playing on such a high level. His growth, his improvement, and his journey particularly the last six months has been amazing."

The 22-time Grand Slam champion complimented Alcaraz's demeanor and personality off the court as well.

"He's very nice guy off the court. I got a little bit of chance to practice with him and to spend a bit of time off the court with him around here in Madrid and last week, and I must say that in all fronts, on and off the court, he's great," he said.

He also stated that players like Alcaraz are fantastic for the sport of tennis.

"I love to watch him play, as a lot of other players on the tour. I praise his game without a doubt. He's fantastic for our sport, no doubt. I think it's great that we have a young player who is doing so well and giving a new fresh breath to the tennis world," he added.

The Serb kept up his praise for Alcaraz after losing to him in Madrid.

“Congrats to him. He held his nerve very well. For somebody of his age to play so maturely and courageously is impressive. He deserved to win," Djokovic said.

Novak Djokovic believes Carlos Alcaraz is the best ambassador for tennis

Novak Djokovic also congratulated Carlos Alcaraz on becoming the youngest year-end World No. 1 in history.

"He deserves it. No doubt about it. I don't want to go into discussion what if I played less or more, whatever. It is what it is. Reality is that he's No. 1. He deserves to be there. He won a Slam. He won many matches in tournaments," he said.

Djokovic further stated that he believes Carlos Alcaraz to be the best ambassador for tennis.

"He's I think a great new face and a player for our sport. He's a very nice guy. Works very hard. Has a good team of people around him. Represents himself and tennis in a good way. I find only the positive things to say about him."

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Edited by Shubham Banerjee