Alexander Zverev says Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era was still lower level overall than men’s tennis today
Alexander Zverev stirred debate in a 2025 Madrid Open press conference after his third-round win, claiming that the current men’s tennis landscape, led by players like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and himself, surpasses the overall level of the Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic era. Zverev argued, “The Big Three era was incredible, no doubt, but if you look at the depth now, the level is higher. Back then, you had three guys dominating, and it was tough to break through. Now, every week, you’ve got 10, 15 guys who can win big titles. The athleticism, the speed, the shot-making—it’s evolved.” He pointed to the physical demands and versatility required today, citing players like Sinner, Alcaraz, and even himself as evidence of a more competitive field.
Zverev’s comments came amidst his own strong 2025 clay season, having won Munich and reached the Madrid fourth round before losing to Francisco Cerundolo (7-5, 6-3). He emphasized the increased depth, noting that lower-ranked players like Cerundolo, who has beaten him three times in a row, or Jack Draper, a Madrid semi-finalist, regularly challenge top seeds. “In the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era, you didn’t see as many upsets in early rounds of Slams or Masters. Now, it’s normal,” he said, referencing his own upset of Nadal at the 2024 French Open and Sinner’s Australian Open title defense in 2025.
The claim sparked polarized reactions. Supporters on X, like @TennisFanatic, agreed, writing, “Zverev’s right—depth is insane now. Top 50 players hit harder and move better than most top 10s in the 2000s.” Critics, however, like @DjokovicGOAT, countered, “Zverev’s delusional. Federer, Nadal, Djokovic played 10-15 years at a level no one today can sustain. One Slam doesn’t make him an expert.” Data shows the Big Three won 66 of 81 Grand Slams from 2003 to 2023, often facing each other in finals (e.g., Federer-Nadal’s 2006-2008 Wimbledon trilogy), while 2024-2025 saw six different Slam winners, reflecting greater variety but fewer dominant figures.
Zverev, with one Grand Slam (2020 US Open), acknowledged the Big Three’s unmatched consistency but maintained that today’s faster courts, advanced training, and tactical diversity elevate the field. His remarks, bold and divisive, underscore his belief in the new generation’s ability to redefine tennis’s golden era, even as he navigates personal challenges like his diabetes and off-court controversies.
