Ruud talks about the 'changing of the guard' following the success of Sinner and Alcaraz in the Grand Slams

Mónica Barberán Munera | 13 Sep 2024 | 12.51

Casper Ruud at the US Open 2024. Photo: Getty

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The young players on the circuit are taking over the big titles, and this 2024 has marked the confirmation that the new era has arrived. The times of the 'Big 3' are behind us or so it seems. However, it cannot be ruled out that Novak Djokovic may return in a grand way next season. What is clear is that this year, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have been the standout players in the Grand Slams, each winning two: the Australian Open and US Open for the Italian; Wimbledon and Roland Garros for the Spaniard. It's the first time in 22 years that neither the Serbian, nor Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer have claimed a major title.

This data is significant as we are witnessing a shift in tennis trends that seemed distant due to constant dominance. However, times change, people age, and nothing lasts forever. Thus, Casper Ruud was analyzing with Eurosport this new scenario, observed not only by fans from the outside but also by the players themselves who see that now might be their moment. Ruud commented, "Something has to be said about how extremely dominant they have been. We are in a 'changing of the guard' now."

Moreover, those two players who have reversed the trend are expected to continue the legacy and become great legends: Alcaraz and Sinner, Sinner and Alcaraz. "This year, we have two young players who have taken all four. It's fun to see with your own eyes that it's possible, but they are the ones who have stood out the most, showing high level, aggressive play, and good tennis," the Norwegian said about his peers. There was much talk about the future of these two, but 2024 has proven that we were not mistaken, that the Slams are within their reach.

Before them, another generation was expected to 'retire' the big three. Players born in the 90s were set to conquer all and be the shining stars to outshine their predecessors. However, Daniil Medvedev and Dominic Thiem have been the only ones from this generation to win a Grand Slam title in 21 final appearances. "It's clear, we can't just wait for things to fall into place, but these big three have performed very well. We've been in 21 finals and only won two, so it's not just bad luck; the fault lies with us. There was much talk about Zverev, Tsitsipas, and Medvedev when they emerged, suggesting they would bring about change and eliminate the greats, but they couldn't do it at all," Ruud admitted, having reached three major finals (Roland Garros 2022 and 2023, US Open 2022).

The Best of the 'Big 3'?

In this landscape of great players, Casper was also asked about the greatest player of all time, and he is clear: "Djokovic is tough to beat and certainly deserves to be considered the best of all time. There is no doubt about his achievements." For the Norwegian, facts, statistics, and titles speak for themselves, and the holder of 24 Grand Slams leads the way. "I often say that tennis is not something you can 'perfect' like finishing a video game when there is nothing left to achieve. But in terms of merit and tournament victories, Djokovic has won every possible title. It was fantastic to see him win an Olympic gold this season."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ruud analiza el "cambio de guardia" tras el éxito de Sinner y Alcaraz en los Grand Slam