"What if Alcaraz wins 15 Slams": Feliciano Lopez on how dynamic of GOAT debate could change once Novak Djokovic retires

Feliciano Lopez discussed the prospects of Carlos Alcaraz winning Grand Slams once Novak Djokovic retires. The Spaniard asserted that both 'Nole,' Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer have set the bar exceedingly high for future tennis players.

The former world No. 12 speculated that his young compatriot could potentially win many more Grand Slams, considering that at the age of 20, he already has two titles from the 2022 US Open and the 2023 Wimbledon. However, it is inevitable that Alcaraz will be compared to the Big-3, each of whom has achieved at least 20 Slam victories.

The 42-year-old veteran addressed the challenging comparison Alcaraz will face throughout his career against the incredible achievements of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. According to Feliciano Lopez, there is a significant difference between Pete Sampras's 14 trophies and those earned by the Big-3, and naturally, Alcaraz will be measured against them.

"At his age he has already won two Grand Slams and has been number one. He is one of those players that comes out every few years. But of course, we tend to compare him with Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. People don't realize what they've done."

"What happens, if Alcaraz wins 15 Slams it won't be that big of a deal? The thing is that, until recently, Sampras was 14 and a man from Manacor arrived and won 14 in it. I have lived this time. I have played against them. What has happened is not going to be repeated, the probability is very low,” he added.

Lopez believes that comparisons should be avoided, and ample time should be given for Alcaraz's game and career to unfold. This is especially crucial considering the high level he has already reached at such a young age. It remains to be seen just how far Alcaraz can go, and patience is key in assessing his long-term potential:

"Let's enjoy Alcaraz, his career. And if he wins 10, 12 or 13, time will tell. But let's value what he has done. I have not seen a player his age play so well, I don't know if Federer at 20 years old played like Carlos," Feliciano Lopez concluded.