Rafael Nadal has weighed in on the future of men’s tennis, offering high praise for Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, two players he believes currently hold a clear edge over their ATP Tour rivals.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Nadal reflected on his recent retirement and discussed the evolution of the game—especially focusing on the two young stars who have dominated the last five Grand Slam events.
“Jannik [Sinner] has already won three Slams,” Nadal noted. “In just two years, he’s made an incredible leap forward. He’s confident, solid, and full of potential. For a country like Italy, which loves tennis, a player like Jannik was essential.”
Nadal also praised Italy’s broader tennis development. “The Italian Federation has done a fantastic job,” he said, citing the emergence of players like Lorenzo Musetti, Matteo Berrettini, and Flavio Cobolli as proof of a strong generation built through effort and investment.
Turning to his countryman Alcaraz, Nadal acknowledged both his talent and the current dominance he shares with Sinner.
“At the moment, Carlos [Alcaraz] and Jannik seem a level above the rest. If they avoid injuries, they’ll compete for the biggest titles for years to come,” said the 14-time French Open champion.
Still, Nadal emphasized the unpredictable nature of tennis: “The beauty of this sport is its unpredictability. While Jannik and Carlos are special and could define an era, new talent will always emerge.”
When asked about Sinner’s return to the tour, Nadal remained optimistic despite recent controversies and time away from competition.
“It’s never easy to come back after a break,” he admitted. “But the good thing is Jannik wasn’t injured—he kept training and preparing. I believe he’ll return with great determination.”
Addressing speculation about Sinner’s integrity related to his absence, Nadal stood firmly by his side.
“I trust Jannik 100%. I don’t believe he would ever try to deceive anyone,” Nadal stated. “Unfortunately, accidents can happen in this sport, but I completely believe in his innocence.”
As the next generation takes center stage, Nadal’s comments underline both the promise and pressure facing Sinner and Alcaraz—two young stars poised to lead tennis into a new era.
