Thanasi Kokkinakis has issued a major statement as the world No. 77 says it is “fair” to compare Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz to the Big Three, at least talent-wise.
Following the results that the Italian and the Spaniard had in 2024, some argued that it was the level of dominance that resembled the prime versions of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
This year, Sinner, 23, posted a stunning 73-6 record – won eight titles, including two two Grand Slams and the ATP Finals – reached the world No. 1 ranking and also led Italy to the Davis Cup title.
On the other side, Alcaraz picked up 13 losses this year but he came up big when it mattered the most – he won the French Open and Wimbledon. Also, he fell just short of winning the Paris Olympics after Djokovic delivered one of his best performances in years in the final.
For many years, the Big Three absolutely dominated the Grand Slam scene. Since the general belief is that Sinner and the Spaniard separated themselves from the rest of the competition, some are already comparing them to the three greatest players in tennis history and backing to have a Big Three-like dominance in Slams in the future.
Kokkinakis, who played against every Big Three member and famously upset Federer in their lone meeting, has zero wins and four losses against Sinner and he was also beaten by Alcaraz in their lone match that came last year. And after experiencing how it felt to play against all five players in question, the 28-year-old Australian believes the comparisons are legitimate.
“I think it’s fair to compare them to the Big 3. Accolades-wise, maybe it’s not (Jannik has two Slams and Carlos four Majors) as there is so much more of their career to play out, but in terms of ability and talent they are right up there. The stuff they can do is pretty special. The way Sinner and Alcaraz move… they are there with a prime Djokovic. They are going to be a the top for a very long time,” Kokkinakis told Tennis365.
“Jannik and Carlos are the favorites, with Novak just behind them. Zverev is playing some great tennis, but you would say those Jannik, Carlos and Novak are just ahead of him. You can’t write Novak out. It looked like he was taking a bit of a decline and then he goes out and play like that and win the Olympic gold. That shows you can never write him out.”
Nadal pumped the brakes on the Alcaraz & Sinner – Big Three comparisons
When the 21-year-old introduced himself to the big scene in 2022, he was hurled by the constant comparisons to his idol Nadal. Throughout the entire 2022, the former 22-time Grand Slam champion was urging the Spanish public but also all tennis fans not to compare Alcaraz to him because it could lead to massive pressure and expectations and ultimately negatively impact the young Spaniard’s career.
However, the current world No. 3 was able to block out that noise and land four Grand Slams by the age of 21. And now, he is not only compared to his idol but also to Djokovic and Federer.
When asked about those comparisons in October, Nadal applauded the 21-year-old and the Italian tennis star by saying they were doing “special things.” But he also remarked that Sinner and Alcaraz should be given a chance to “write their own story” instead of being compared to the Big Three.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal© Roland Garros/Instagram – Fair Use
“They’re doing great. They’re very young. They’re already achieving amazing things, winning Grand Slams and Masters 1000s.. creating great numbers. These two guys especially, Carlos and Jannik, are making a special thing. I wish them all the very best to keep growing. They’re already huge stars. I’m sure if they’re able to stay free of injuries, they’re gonna build an amazing career,” Nadal told DAZN in October.
“We need to wait, but of course. This year already two grand slams for each of them. Number 1 and number 2 in the world. They’re creating their own story. I think it’s not a moment to compare eras. Because Novak is still there. Roger and myself left.. but that’s part of the sports career of everyone. Now it’s a new generation coming. We need to let them create their own rivalries and their own story. They don’t need the comparisons with us. Let’s see at the end of their careers, then will be the moment to compete what they did and what we did.”
Tennis World USA