After an era dominated by the legendary trio of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, many believed that men’s tennis would never quite be the same. With Federer and Nadal retired, and Djokovic past his prime, the sport seemed to be searching for its next great icon.
Enter Carlos Alcaraz. The young Spaniard has taken the tennis world by storm, already capturing five Grand Slam titles by the age of 22. With his athleticism, relentless fighting, maturity, and sporting spirit, Alcaraz appears to be following in the footsteps of his illustrious compatriot Nadal, exhibiting the same never-say-die attitude that made the latter a legend.
With his recent performance in the final of the 2025 French Open, one question is beginning to loom large: is Carlos Alcaraz on track to become the next big tennis icon?
Let’s take a look at his beginnings, his development, how he compares to the three legendary figures in tennis, and whether he is bound for greatness like them.
Beginnings and playing style
Alcaraz started playing tennis at the age of four at the Real Sociedad Club de Campo de Murcia, where his father was a coach and administrator. He was discovered at age 11 by Albert Molina, who convinced the International Management Group (IMG) to sign him. And so, Alcaraz was introduced to his current coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Alcaraz made his Challenger debut at the age of 15 at the JC Ferrero Challenger in Villena after receiving a wild card. He beat a 17-year-old Jannik Sinner in his first-round match. He went on to win four Challenger titles before turning 18.
In February 2020, Alcaraz made his ATP main-draw debut at the Rio Open after receiving a wild card for the singles event, aged only 16.
Alcaraz is an aggressive player and likes to play an attacking game from the baseline. He has great speed and agility for court coverage, as well as an explosive and powerful forehand. He’s also armed with drop shots and drive volleys, while also possessing a great serve. His disguised drop shot and forehand are his most potent weapons and generate a lot of winners for him. Overall, the young Spaniard is a complete all-round player who is comfortable playing on all surfaces.
Major titles won
Aged 22, Alcaraz already has an impressive haul of ATP and Grand Slam titles.
Alcaraz won his first ATP title in July 2021, beating Richard Gasquet in the final of the Croatia Open. He also won the the 2021 Next Gen ATP Finals, beating Sebastian Korda in the final.
Alcaraz won his first ATP 500 title at the Rio Open in 2022, defeating Diego Schwartzman in the final. He then became the youngest ATP Masters 1000 champion after winning the Miami Open, beating Casper Ruud in the final. He also won the Madrid Open the same year, defeating Alexander Zverev in the final for his second Masters 1000 title.
Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open, defeating Casper Ruud in the final. Since then, he has added two Wimbledon titles (2023, 2024) and two French Open titles (2024, 2025) to his already-impressive collection.
Alcaraz has also won seven ATP Masters 1000 titles, an Olympic silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and a total of 20 ATP titles so far.
Alcaraz vs Federer/Nadal/Djokovic
While it may not be entirely fair to compare him to the legendary trio of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic — given the incredible legacies they’ve built — Alcaraz’s performances at such a young age are making those comparisons inevitable.
His playing style resembles most closely that of his compatriot, with the same explosive forehand, court coverage, and never-say-die mentality that epitomised the Spanish legend. He also shares an affinity for clay. At the same point in his career, Alcaraz has won five Grand Slam titles — just like Nadal.
As for comparisons with Federer and Djokovic, the playing styles vary. While Federer possessed a lazy yet lethal elegance, Djokovic is known for his remarkable consistency and unreal mentality. If we compare their titles, Alcaraz has won more ATP titles and Grand Slams at 22 than either Federer or Djokovic had at the same age.
Conclusion
Carlos Alcaraz is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining players to watch at the moment. He brings an infectious energy, a positive spirit, and undeniable charisma every time he steps on the court. His game evokes memories of the great Rafael Nadal, particularly in the way he tirelessly chases down every ball and surprises one and all with his jaw-dropping, seemingly impossible shots. And while he may not yet have Nadal’s consistency, he has already demonstrated his massive potential.
Still early in his career, there is considerable room for growth — a scary prospect for his rivals given how formidable he already is. He also stands out for his tenacity and mental resilience, refusing to back down no matter the circumstances — something that was quite evident in his recent French Open victory, where he came back from two sets down and saved three championship points to win the title.
Having already secured five Grand Slam titles — across all four surfaces — Alcaraz has proven his versatility and ability to dominate in all conditions. Given his current form, and with few serious rivals apart from Jannik Sinner, he is well-positioned to break records — provided he remains healthy and maintains his high level of play.
At just 22 years old, the sky is the limit for Alcaraz, who looks poised to become the undisputed heir to the men’s singles throne in the sport for years to come.
Leave a Reply