“Finesse like Federer, power Like Nadal”: Agassi hails Alcaraz as the perfect Big-3 mix but faces an uncertain path

Andre Agassi showered Carlos Alcaraz with praise, recognising traits reminiscent of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. The former World No. 1 believes the 21-year-old possesses some of the best qualities of the Big-3, but cautioned that this is no guarantee of replicating their achievements.

Agassi commented that Alcaraz combines some of the finest characteristics of the Big-3. However, he warned that having such traits doesn’t ensure he will accomplish what they have. The legendary trio once collectively held the record for the most Grand Slam titles in history. Federer ended his career with 20, Nadal recently retired with 22, and Djokovic holds the current record with 24, his latest coming at the 2023 US Open.

Agassi explains why Alcaraz’s Big-3 skills might not be enough

Meanwhile, Alcaraz has had a meteoric rise, achieving milestones that surpass those of the Big-3 at the same age. At 21, the Spaniard has already secured four Grand Slam titles: the 2022 US Open, Wimbledon in 2023 and 2024, and the 2024 French Open.

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Only the Australian Open remains for him to complete a Career Grand Slam—winning all four major tennis tournaments. Nadal currently holds the record for the oldest player to achieve this feat, but Carlitos could break it if he wins one of the next three editions of the Australian Open.

At the recent TiE Global Summit 2024, Agassi heaped praise on Alcaraz, pointing to the potential he has to emulate the likes of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer. “I’m not a genius and I don’t have a crystal ball. What I can tell you is Alcaraz defends like Novak, has power and spin like, Nadal, and has hands and finesse like Federer,” the American declared.

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafa Nadal at the Olympic Games Paris 2024

“But just because he has the best of all three doesn’t mean he can do what they did because there are so many other parts to the game. Decision-making, injuries, luck… there are so many things,” the former world No. 1 added.

Carlos Alcaraz, earlier this year in February, spoke about the lofty aspirations for his career. The Spaniard discussed his ultimate goal: breaking Djokovic’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles. “Obviously, I keep thinking about Nole’s 24 Grand Slams, that’s clear,” the former World No. 1 said in February. “I’m a very ambitious guy, and I always want to think big, and I dream big—obviously, Djokovic’s 24 is a goal at the end of my career.

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“It is something that is inevitable to think about. I am very competitive, and that is also what drives me to the highest level to try to be at the same level as the Big Three. The truth is that I dream big.”