Becker: "Sinner and Alcaraz are like the Djokovic and Federer of the future, we need a Nadal"

Boris Becker is one of the most authoritative voices in the tennis world for many reasons. Recently, his coaching vein and player analysis have been more alive than ever, with his latest coaching experience alongside Holger Rune. However, the German has been speaking in a recent interview about the players dominating the circuit with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have won all the Grand Slams this 2024.

The former world number 1 is well aware of the great success this season of the Italian, who will end the year as the world number 1 (the first from his country to achieve this). Therefore, he wanted to compare Sinner to Novak Djokovic, but in a positive way, as he finds significant similarities between them. "I have watched many of Jannik's matches lately; he is in great form. Since the US Open onwards, he has clearly been playing his best tennis. As for Nole, he resembles him. His style is very similar, especially in terms of consistency. Jannik never drops, always plays at a very high level, and brings high-quality tennis to the court. He hits the ball with great speed and keeps his opponents away from the baseline," he said to Gazzetta dello Sport.

One of Sinner's most impressive statistics in 2024 is that he has only lost 6 matches so far. And of those defeats, half have been at the hands of Alcaraz, his ultimate rival. "The losses occurred because Carlos is capable of playing at a speed perhaps even higher than Sinner's, but not with the same consistency. However, when Alcaraz plays his tennis at the highest level, it becomes difficult even for Jannik to beat him. When you are fighting for number 1, for the Slams, then you do everything possible to overcome your rival and raise your level exceptionally, as Carlos does," Becker praised the young Spaniard.

Becker's New 'Big 3'

For Becker and many others, both Alcaraz and Jannik have laid the foundation for a rivalry that is expected to last a long time and be the main focus of the circuit. Not just for their playing style if it is similar or not to the members of the 'Big 3', but for what both represent. If Becker compared Sinner to the Serbian, he now likens the Spaniard to Roger Federer. Also, he provides an alternative to Holger Rune, his former pupil, to complete the trio that tennis needs, all under his opinion, of course:

"We can define Sinner and Alcaraz as the Djokovic and Federer of the future, although with due proportions. Roger and Nole have made history in this sport, just like Rafa Nadal. Alcaraz's playing style, in terms of beauty, is more similar to that of the Swiss, although his idol has always been Rafa. From a purely stylistic point of view, the Spanish can be compared to Federer and the Italian to Djokovic."

However, now on the circuit we have another dilemma. We need a 'Nadal' to complete the new Big 3 and another player to follow the 'Fab Four'. The one who I believe is closest to reaching the top is Ben Shelton. Initially, Holger Rune seemed most prepared, but he has not progressed much this year. Nevertheless, I have also watched the American for a long time at the Laver Cup, in singles and doubles, and I liked his attitude. He smiles, entertains, and has fun."

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Becker: "Sinner y Alcaraz son como los Djokovic y Federer del futuro, necesitamos a un Nadal"