The new generation of tennis stars is rising, led by teenager Carlos Alcaraz and his historic wins at the Madrid Open and U.S. Open this year. While veterans like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are still forces to be reckoned with, the tide is starting to turn as the young guns gain experience and confidence. One player who sees the shifting landscape clearly is Alexander Zverev.
“The other guys gotta catch up,” Zverev said after a recent tournament. “Alcaraz is the best player in the world right now. Novak and Rafa are still great champions, but they’re getting older. The younger players are getting better.”
At just 19 years old, Alcaraz became the youngest man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Nadal did it in 2005. His aggressive, athletic playing style has earned comparisons to a young Nadal or Djokovic. Despite his youth, Alcaraz has the shots and mental toughness to compete with anyone.
“He really believes he can beat anyone,” said Zverev. “That’s what you need to be number one. He’s got that champion’s attitude.”
Djokovic, 35, is still ranked #1 in the world after dominating men’s tennis for nearly a decade. But with his refusal to get vaccinated hindering his ability to play certain tournaments, the door has opened for new challengers. Nadal, 36, faces ongoing injury issues as well.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz and other young stars like Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Zverev himself are gaining ground. Zverev sees them as the future.
“Obviously Novak and Rafa are two of the greatest players ever,” said Zverev, 25. “But nothing lasts forever. The younger guys have been improving and now we’re ready to take over. I think you’ll see a real changing of the guard soon.”
Alcaraz’s fluid movement and crunching groundstrokes are his trademarks, but his mental toughness also stands out. In the U.S. Open final against Ruud, Alcaraz overcame an early deficit and fought through grueling rallies, showing the poise of a veteran.
“He plays like he’s invincible, like he’s got nothing to lose,” said Zverev. “He goes for his shots no matter what.”
Djokovic knows the young guns are coming for him. But the Serbian star isn’t ready to give up his throne just yet. Djokovic’s legendary returns, flexibility and court coverage allow him to diffuse the power of today’s game. After missing the U.S. Open and much of 2022, he’ll be extra motivated to reclaim his dominance in 2023.
“Novak is a tremendous champion,” said Zverev. “He’s not going to make it easy for the younger guys. But they’re definitely catching up and getting more confident each tournament.”
Nadal’s 21 Grand Slam titles are still the mark to beat, but his window is closing as injuries take their toll. Alcaraz became the first teenager to beat Nadal on clay, which sent a big message about the changing dynamics.
For now, the Big Three remain the standard-bearers. But Zverev and his peers know their time is coming. They have already closed the gap substantially.
“This next generation of players is really strong,” said Zverev. “It feels like a new era is beginning. Of course Djokovic and Nadal are still at the top of their games. But if we keep improving, the other guys and I are ready to break through. We’ll be the ones dominating soon.”
The veteran champions undoubtedly see the writing on the wall. It takes nothing away from their historic careers. But as they enter the late stages, a pack of hungry young wolves lurks. Their eyes are on the throne. And the chase is on.