Alcaraz: The Complete Player Tennis Has Been Waiting For

Andre Agassi has issued a bold assessment of Carlos Alcaraz, comparing him favorably to legends like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. Fresh off Alcaraz’s dramatic French Open victory in 2025, Agassi’s comments highlight the unique blend of skills that make the young Spaniard a formidable force in the modern game. This article delves into Agassi’s analysis, Alcaraz’s recent achievements, and what they signify for the future of tennis.

Agassi’s Analysis: Alcaraz’s Strengths

Speaking on TNT Sports’ panel at the 2025 French Open, Agassi didn’t hold back his admiration for Alcaraz. He identified several key areas where Alcaraz either matches or surpasses the Big Three:

• Defensive Speed: “You’ve got to remember, this guy has defensive speed like Novak, if not more.”
• Feel: “He has feel like Federer, you got to argue at times, if not more.”
• RPMs and Pace: “His RPMs at pace, like Rafa, you could argue, maybe even more.”

Agassi emphasized that Alcaraz’s ability to combine these attributes is what sets him apart. He also noted Alcaraz’s exceptional movement on grass, stating, “When he gets there on the grass and you bring in that UFO movements… I mean, his second step is ridiculous, and he believes in it so much, he doesn’t peel out defensively when you push him to corners.”

Agassi also stated, “Alcaraz’s best surface to me, shockingly, would be between here and Wimbledon … I would say grass,” Agassi said on set with Patrick McEnroe at the French Open. “Reason I would say grass has nothing to do with his swings. It has to do with the less diminishing speed that happens to him versus other players.”

Alcaraz’s Recent Triumph at the French Open

Carlos Alcaraz’s victory at the 2025 French Open was nothing short of spectacular. He rallied from two sets down to defeat Jannik Sinner in a thrilling five-set final, saving three match points along the way. This win marked his second consecutive French Open title and his fifth Grand Slam overall.

The final was the longest in French Open history, clocking in at five hours and 29 minutes. Alcaraz’s resilience and mental fortitude were on full display as he battled back against the world number one. His performance drew comparisons to Novak Djokovic’s comeback in the 2021 final at Roland Garros.

Key Moments from the Final

• Saving Match Points: Alcaraz fought off three consecutive championship points in the fourth set.
• Fifth-Set Tiebreak Domination: He won the first seven points of the 10-point tiebreak in the fifth set to seize control of the match.
• Historic Comeback: Alcaraz became the first man to save match point and later win in a Grand Slam final since Djokovic outlasted Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2019.

Alcaraz’s Rapid Rise and Records

Alcaraz’s young career is already filled with remarkable achievements and records:

• Youngest World No. 1: He became the youngest player in ATP history to reach the number one ranking.
• Five Grand Slam Titles: He has won the US Open (2022), Wimbledon (2023, 2024), and the French Open (2024, 2025).
• Perfect Record in Grand Slam Finals: Alcaraz has won all five of his Grand Slam finals, a feat matched only by a few players in history.
• Third-Youngest to Five Slams: He is the third-youngest man to win five Grand Slam titles, trailing only Bjorn Borg and Rafael Nadal.
• Emulating Nadal: Alcaraz won his fifth Grand Slam at the same age as his idol, Rafael Nadal which he considers “destiny”.

Alcaraz vs. The Big Three: A Generational Shift

Agassi’s comments and Alcaraz’s recent success raise the question: Is Alcaraz poised to dominate men’s tennis in the post-Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic era?

Djokovic’s Perspective

Even Novak Djokovic has acknowledged Alcaraz’s exceptional talent. After losing to Alcaraz in the 2023 Wimbledon final, Djokovic stated that Alcaraz possesses “the best of all three worlds,” referring to Federer, Nadal, and himself. Djokovic highlighted Alcaraz’s completeness as a player and his adaptability on all surfaces.

Can Alcaraz Match the Big Three’s Longevity?

While Alcaraz has the talent and potential to achieve great things, Agassi cautioned that matching the Big Three’s accomplishments is not guaranteed. Factors such as decision-making, injuries, and luck will play a crucial role in his career trajectory.

Agassi noted that Djokovic may “run out of energy more than capability, especially when the people you came to the dance with have left”. Agassi was coached by Djoker from May 2017 to March 2018.

Alcaraz and Sinner: The New Rivalry

Alcaraz’s main rival appears to be Jannik Sinner, with Alcaraz currently leading 8-4 in head-to-head matches. Their recent French Open final was an instant classic, signaling the start of a new era in men’s tennis.

The pair both have titles to defend at the two remaining slams in 2025 – Alcaraz at Wimbledon and Sinner at the US Open.

Alcaraz’s Playing Style: A Blend of Strengths

Alcaraz’s game is characterized by a combination of power, speed, and finesse. He possesses a strong serve, powerful groundstrokes, and exceptional court coverage. His ability to blend these elements seamlessly makes him a threat on any surface.

Agassi on Alcaraz’s Backhand

Andre Agassi also analyzed Alcaraz’s backhand, noting a technical tweak that has made it even more potent. Agassi stated that the change has given Alcaraz “more power, more control, and more deception” on his backhand returns.

The Road Ahead: Wimbledon and Beyond

Fresh off his French Open win, Alcaraz is now setting his sights on Wimbledon, where he will be defending his title. Agassi believes that grass may be Alcaraz’s best surface, which would make him the favorite heading into the tournament.

Alcaraz’s Goals

Alcaraz has made it clear that he wants to continue improving and winning major titles. After his French Open victory, he expressed his desire to “keep learning” and “get better” to maintain his position at the top of the game.

Rafael Nadal has also voiced his support for Carlos Alcaraz, celebrating his countryman’s French Open victory with a congratulatory message.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz is undoubtedly one of the most exciting talents in men’s tennis today. With his unique blend of skills, unwavering determination, and infectious enthusiasm, he is poised to lead the sport into a new era. Whether he can match the legendary accomplishments of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the future of tennis is in good hands.