Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have made great strides in 2024, but Marin Cilic believes they still lack something crucial that Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic possess. With Nadal stepping away from professional tennis after the Davis Cup Finals this month, Djokovic will be the last of the legendary trio still competing.
Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic are often hailed as the greatest tennis players ever. Their intense rivalries and thrilling matches have mesmerized fans across the globe. Despite some chilly moments in their careers—especially between Federer and Djokovic—the respect among them is immense.
Djokovic’s heartfelt tribute to Nadal after their final match at the Six Kings Slam exhibition showed this deep respect. He called Nadal an "incredible person," highlighting their bond .
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| es Carlos Alcaraz | 21 | 68,791 | 25 - 5 |
Rising Stars: Alcaraz and Sinner
Alcaraz and Sinner have emerged as standout players on the ATP Tour by sharing victories in all four Grand Slams this year. Their matches are electrifying, with Alcaraz recently defeating Sinner in a grueling China Open final lasting over three hours.
Unlike past tensions seen between Federer and Djokovic, Alcaraz and Sinner maintain a friendly relationship off-court. They aren’t best pals but get along well enough to keep things cordial when not playing.
Some suggest that their level of play might even surpass what we saw from Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic—a bold claim! Mats Wilander thinks so too; he says watching them at their peak is like nothing he’s ever seen before.
Fans might wonder if these young stars could redefine greatness in tennis someday.
Diego Schwartzman also chimed in before his retirement next year. He praised how "crazy" it is what Sinner and Alcaraz can do with their bodies on court compared to legends like Federer or Nadal!
However…
Cilic isn’t convinced about mental toughness yet for these rising stars compared to seasoned veterans like Novak or Rafa who demand full focus from start till finish—or else you’re outta there!
"Novak & Rafa—they’re mentally similar," Cilic explained during comments at Serbia Open Belgrade while noting Roger’s unique style too: fantastic serves mixed with offensive play changing game rhythm altogether!
"You gotta be ready mentally right away because once they hit rhythm mode? No turning back." Comparing younger ones now? Not quite same level mentally prepared yet according him…
Having faced off against each legend multiple times—including two Grand Slam finals versus Roger—Cilic knows firsthand just how strong-willed those guys were (and still are). For Jannik & Carlos though? There’s plenty work ahead matching such mindset prowess down line…
What do you think about this comparison between legends old/new?
