Feliciano Lopez calls having Alcaraz to take over from Big Three 'a blessing' at a 'pivotal moment' for tennis

With the careers of the 'Big Three' of Roger Federer, Rafale Nadal and Novak Djokovic slowly winding down, it seems Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz could be the next big thing in tennis, according to Madrid Open director Feliciano Lopez.

Lopez, who still competes on the ATP Tour at age 41, believes Alcaraz is a 'blessing for tennis' as the sport needs someone exciting to fill the void left by the Big 3. Alcaraz has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top, winning his maiden Grand Slam title at last year's US Open, four Masters titles, and he has even attained the World No.1 ranking.

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"It's not common to see someone so young with that kind of energy and connecting with the public," said Lopez in an interview with L'Equipe. "It is a blessing for tennis to have this player who, at only 20 years old, has already won a Grand Slam and been No 1.

"Because we are at a pivotal moment with Federer who has retired, Nadal, of whom we do not yet know how long he will play, and Novak who is 35 years old (he will be 36 on May 22). It's even more important to have someone like Carlos right now."

The Spanish sensation is set to make his debut at the Rome Open, where he hopes to win his fifth title of the season.