Tennis legend Andre Agassi has offered a ringing endorsement of Carlos Alcaraz, describing the young Spaniard as a unique blend of the sport’s greatest modern icons: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer. Agassi’s high praise comes as Alcaraz continues to dominate the tennis world, most recently reclaiming the World No. 1 ranking after securing his sixth Grand Slam title at the US Open.
Agassi’s High Praise for Alcaraz’s All-Court Game
Speaking ahead of the 2025 Laver Cup, where Alcaraz is set to compete, Agassi articulated his admiration for the 22-year-old phenom. “I know Novak is still playing, but Novak, Roger and Rafa — he’s like a combination of all of them in one,” Agassi stated. “With the RPMs he can put [on the ball], the defence that he has like Novak, the feel that he has like Federer. To see that in one person on a tennis court is remarkable.”
This isn’t the first time Agassi has made such a powerful comparison. During a Wimbledon semifinal in July 2025, and at the TiE Global Summit in December 2024, Agassi similarly noted that Alcaraz “defends like Novak, has power and spin like Nadal and has hands and finesse like Federer.” He also lauded Alcaraz’s “explosive firepower, seamless movement”.
The Phenomenon of Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz has rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of men’s tennis, capturing hearts and titles with his dynamic and aggressive style of play. At just 19 years and four months old, he became the youngest World No. 1 in ATP Rankings history in 2022 after winning his first US Open. His recent triumph at the 2025 US Open marked his sixth major title, a feat achieved at an age when most players are still finding their footing on the professional tour. This places him ahead of even Rafael Nadal, who had five major titles before turning 23.
A Blend of Tennis Greatness
Agassi’s analysis meticulously breaks down how Alcaraz embodies the distinct strengths of the “Big Three”:
- Rafael Nadal’s Power and RPMs: Alcaraz frequently unleashes forehands packed with heavy topspin, reminiscent of Nadal’s signature weapon. His ability to generate extreme revolutions per minute (RPMs) on the ball creates bounces that challenge opponents, pushing them deep behind the baseline.
- Novak Djokovic’s Defense: Despite his offensive prowess, Alcaraz possesses an incredible defensive game, tracking down seemingly impossible shots and turning defense into offense. This court coverage and resilience echo Djokovic’s renowned ability to extend rallies and absorb pressure.
- Roger Federer’s Touch and Feel: Agassi highlighted Alcaraz’s “feel” and “finesse,” drawing parallels to Federer’s artistry. Alcaraz’s deft drop shots, volleys, and subtle changes of pace showcase a touch that belies his power game, often deceiving opponents. Agassi even noted a reflection of Federer’s play when Alcaraz deceived an opponent with a simulated drop shot before slicing the ball.
Caution Amidst the Compliments
While Agassi’s praise is immense, he also offered a word of caution against overburdening Alcaraz with expectations of replicating the Big Three’s unprecedented career longevity and Grand Slam counts. “Just because he has the best of all those three doesn’t mean he can do what they did because there’re so many other parts to the game, which mean decision-making, injuries, you know, luck,” Agassi explained. This perspective acknowledges the numerous variables that contribute to a player’s sustained success beyond pure talent.
Other Voices in Praise
Agassi isn’t alone in recognizing Alcaraz’s exceptional talents. Former World No. 1 Patrick Rafter, also speaking ahead of the Laver Cup, commended Alcaraz’s all-around repertoire. “He can produce power from anywhere and no one has that power,” Rafter said. “He’s probably one of the greatest movers we’ve ever seen in the game of tennis. That combination is pretty impressive, plus he’s got all the shots.”
The Road Ahead for Alcaraz
With six Grand Slam titles at just 22, Carlos Alcaraz has already carved out a significant place in tennis history. His ability to blend the most formidable aspects of Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer, as described by Agassi, points to a future brimming with potential. The tennis world eagerly anticipates how far this “combination” of greatness will take him as he aims to achieve even more milestones, including a career Grand Slam.
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