Born to be King: Alcaraz is rewriting the legends of tennis.

For over twenty years, the "Big Three"—Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic—have dominated men's tennis like eternal monarchs, rewriting the sport's history. Prior to them, no male player had surpassed 14 Grand Slam titles, but they secured 20, 22, and 24 respectively. As the world remains captivated by their achievements, a new force called Alcaraz has quietly arrived. Since winning the 2022 US Open and becoming world number one at 19 years and 4 months old, he has consecutively conquered one Grand Slam after another. Now, having claimed his sixth Grand Slam trophy, a question arises: can he surpass the legacy of the "Big Three"?

Alcaraz, the brightest star in men's tennis today and perhaps the strongest player currently, gave an interview to Marca before competing in the second "Six Kings Grand Slam" in Riyadh. He calmly reflected on his journey, and when reminded that at 22 he already holds six Grand Slam titles—more than Djokovic, Nadal, or Federer had at the same age—his response was both grounded and ambitious.

“Looking back from ten years ahead, yes, it is indeed surprising. But I never take anything for granted because every year is different. Players improve, new faces emerge, and the competition becomes tougher. I hope to maintain this pace, but in tennis, giving your all each season is the hardest part.”

After defeating his tough rival Sinner in the US Open final, Alcaraz not only added another Grand Slam trophy to his collection but also extended his lead to 14 titles on the "major championships" leaderboard—including Grand Slams, ATP Masters 1000 titles, and an Olympic silver medal. Among active male players, only Djokovic leads him with 24 Grand Slam titles, yet Alcaraz’s ambition appears limitless.

Former British star Tim Henman captured this perfectly in an interview. As an observer at the Laver Cup, Henman openly praised Alcaraz: “His attitude, energy, and character both on and off the court are top-notch. He has truly elevated his level to another dimension. The speed of Alcaraz’s game evolution is simply incredible.”

Henman went further with a bold comparison, placing Alcaraz alongside Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic—the three legends who redefined greatness with 20, 22, and 24 Grand Slam titles. “It’s actually a bit unfair to other players,” he admitted, “because they set an almost unreachable standard. Now Alcaraz, barely in his early twenties with six Grand Slam titles, is already being asked if he can reach twenty. In some ways, that’s a bit ‘unfair.’”

And it is precisely this “unfairness” that makes Alcaraz’s story so compelling. He is not inheriting a legend—he is rewriting the rules. Every match, every point, feels like a declaration of a true new era. Even after facing his rival Sinner again in the “Six Kings” final (though ultimately losing), Alcaraz spoke candidly about the future, revealing a dream as grand as his talent.

“Of course, I hope to hold some records, especially the record for the most Grand Slam titles,” he said, his eyes shining with determination. “That’s what everyone wants. Also, Djokovic’s record for most weeks at world number one—that’s insane, maintaining peak form for 400 weeks.”

Now, with the ATP Finals approaching, this Spanish prodigy remains focused and resolute. His concentration, presence, and the praise from tennis legends all convey the same truth: Alcaraz is no longer just the hope of tennis; he is a phenomenal force.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)