"I see Carlos Alcaraz the same as Djokovic, Nadal, Federer... He's already a legend” - Gael Monfils

Gael Monfils recently put Carlos Alcaraz in the same bracket as the Big 3 — Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. The Frenchman said although the Spaniard was only 21 years old, he had already achieved the 'legend' status.

Monfils kicked off his North American hardcourt swing at the Canadian Open where he was eliminated in the opening round by Thanasi Kokkinakis in straight sets. He then entered the Cincinnati Open and defeated the Canadian Open winner Alexei Popyrin 7-5, 6-3 in the first round to set up a clash with Alcaraz.

While discussing his upcoming match against the four-time Grand Slam winner, Gael Monfils highlighted a few aspects of Carlos Alcaraz's game and called him a 'complete' athlete.

“He’s a complete athlete, in terms of speed, endurance, power,” Monfils said (via ATP Tour). “And then his tennis, of course, is quite complete, too. Backhand, forehand, it's quite hard to see where you can (hit). He improved a lot on the return, he’s serving big. He’s just a really complete player."

Monfils added that Alcaraz was already on the level of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, and claimed that he was a legend despite his age.

“At the moment, I see him (the same) as Novak, as Rafa, as Roger, for me. He’s just a bit younger, but he’s already a legend," he said.

Their second-round clash in Cincinnati was suspended due to rain. The Spaniard is leading 6-4, (1)6-6(3).

"It's always cool to play Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner, in my day, it was Novak, Rafa, Roger" - Gael Monfils on the 'pleasure' of playing youngsters

Carlos Alcaraz (Image Source: Getty)

Continuing his thoughts, Gael Monfils said it was a pleasure to play against stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The Frenchman also recalled how excited he used to be while facing his contemporaries Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.

“For me, it's always cool to play such a big star like Carlos or Jannik—or of course, in my day, it was Novak, Rafa, Roger. But to play those youngsters, it's always a pleasure,” Monfils said.

Gael Monfils said although the match against Alcaraz was going to be tough, he would remember it for years to come.

“Tomorrow, it's gonna be a great fun for me. Obviously, really tough, but it's gonna be something that I will remember for a couple years," he added.

The winner of Gael Monfils vs Carlos Alcaraz will play 15th seed Holger Rune in the third round.