Rafael Nadal, the 38-year-old Spanish tennis icon with 22 Grand Slam titles, has firmly shut down comparisons between the emerging rivalry of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner and the legendary “Big Three” era he shared with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. In a candid interview on September 10, 2025, ahead of the Laver Cup in San Francisco, Nadal declared, “We were who we were,” emphasizing that the trio’s unprecedented dominance—92 Grand Slam titles and 1,259 weeks at world No. 1 combined—sets an inimitable benchmark. His comments, made as Alcaraz and Sinner dominate the 2025 season, highlight the unique legacy of the Big Three while acknowledging the bright future of the sport’s new stars.
The Big Three’s Unmatched Legacy
Nadal’s remarks addressed the growing narrative positioning Alcaraz, 22, and Sinner, 24, as successors to the Big Three, who redefined tennis over two decades. Federer, retired since 2022, claimed 20 Slams, Djokovic holds a record 24, and Nadal’s 22 include 14 French Open titles. Together, they won 66 of the last 84 majors and held the No. 1 ranking almost continuously from February 2004 to October 2022, with only Andy Murray briefly interrupting their reign in 2016. “Roger, Novak, and I, we had our time,” Nadal told ESPN. “The numbers are there—nobody can take that away. Carlos and Jannik are fantastic, but it’s a different era.”
The 2025 season has seen Alcaraz and Sinner split the majors, with Alcaraz winning the French Open and US Open (6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 over Sinner in the final) and Sinner taking the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Their rivalry, with 10 head-to-head matches (Alcaraz leads 6-4), draws comparisons to Nadal-Federer epics, but Nadal rejected the parallel. “They’re writing their own story. Let them be,” he said in a Eurosport interview. “We don’t need to force them into our mold.”
Respect for Alcaraz and Sinner’s Rise
Despite his stance, Nadal expressed deep admiration for Alcaraz and Sinner, both of whom he’s mentored. Alcaraz, a fellow Spaniard trained at Nadal’s Mallorca academy, calls him an “idol” and has emulated his intensity, becoming the youngest man since Bjorn Borg to win six Slams by age 22. Sinner, with two Slams, has impressed with his work ethic. “Carlos brings passion and intensity, Jannik has focus and discipline,” Nadal told Tennis.com. “They’re pushing each other, which is great for tennis. But our era was unique—three players dominating for so long.”
Nadal’s perspective comes as he nears retirement, limited by a 2023 hip surgery and a third-round US Open exit to Alex de Minaur in 2025. His focus now is the Laver Cup (September 19-21, 2025), where he’ll team up with Alcaraz for Team Europe under Yannick Noah, facing Team World led by John McEnroe. “I’m here to enjoy these moments, not compare them,” Nadal said, signaling his intent to savor his remaining time on tour.
Fan and Media Reactions
Nadal’s comments sparked lively debate on social media. X users were split, with one writing, “Rafa’s spot on—the Big Three’s 92 Slams are untouchable. Alcaraz and Sinner are great, but it’s a different beast” (@TennisFanatic22). Another countered, “Nadal’s protecting his legacy, but Alcaraz and Sinner are already iconic. Give them time!” (@TheTennisLetter). The discussion dovetails with other tennis headlines, including de Minaur’s Davis Cup push in Sydney, overshadowed by Lleyton Hewitt’s £15,000 fine for pushing a volunteer, and Alcaraz’s confirmed romance with model Brooks Nader.
A New Era, Not a Replacement
Nadal’s firm rejection of Alcaraz and Sinner as the new Big Three underscores the unparalleled legacy he, Federer, and Djokovic built. Yet, his praise for the duo’s talent and rivalry reflects optimism for tennis’s future. As Alcaraz prepares for the Laver Cup and Shanghai Masters, and Sinner targets the ATP Finals, their battles are carving a distinct path. Nadal’s message is clear: the Big Three were a singular phenomenon, and Alcaraz and Sinner are forging their own dazzling legacy, unburdened by comparisons.
