With the ‘Big Three’ era having ended, and Djokovic the last man standing from the golden age of men’s tennis, fans are looking for another rivalry to latch on to.
Sinner and Alcaraz are the first to say their budding rivalry has some way to go before it reaches the heights of those before them – but it has all the hallmarks of another era-defining competitiveness.
“We have just come out of one of the most incredible eras and suddenly these two guys are stepping up,” Pat Cash, the 1987 Wimbledon champion, said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I always say Andre Agassi saved men’s tennis when he came back and these guys are saving men’s tennis now.”
Former world number one John McEnroe said the pair reminded him of his own battles with Bjorn Borg – the ‘Fire and Ice’ rivalry that ended tied 7-7 – and that of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
“That’s what makes it great. The way they behave out there is completely different but both are equally effective,” McEnroe said on BBC TV.
Former Wimbledon doubles champion Todd Woodbridge agreed, adding: “They have the best parts of those players’ games, and they have taken it to the next level.”
But Rod Laver, a four-time Wimbledon champion, perhaps summed it up best.
“Their growing rivalry is a gift to our sport, and it’s matched by the genuine respect they show for each other,” he wrote., external
“Win or lose, they compete with joy, class, and sportsmanship. That’s what makes champions.”
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