Rafael Nadal says tennis fans must ‘wait’ until Novak Djokovic retires before comparing Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to the Big Three.
The Big Three era of professional’s men’s tennis is finally coming to end with Nadal joining Roger Federer in retirement after his last event next month.
Djokovic is the last man standing with Britain’s Andy Murray, the only player to have truly challenged the Big Three, having also retired earlier this year.
There has been plenty of debate over Sinner and Alcaraz – world No.1 and world No.2 on the ATP Tour respectively – and how they compare to the Big Three stars.
Nadal, Djokovic, Alcaraz and Sinner are all currently in action at a six-player exhibition event in Saudi Arabia with a historic amount of prize money on offer.
French Open legend Nadal – playing his penultimate tournament before he enters retirement himself – has been quizzed about comparing the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner to himself, Djokovic and Federer.
‘We need to wait,’ Nadal told DAZN ahead of his opening match at the Six Kings Slam. ‘I do not think it is a moment to compare because Novak is still there. Roger and myself, we left or are going to leave soon.
‘But that’s part of the sports career of everyone. Now, it is a new generation coming. We need to let them create their own rivalries and own stories.
‘They don’t need comparisons with us. Let’s see at the end of their careers, then is the moment to compare.’
Nadal has received a bye to the semi-finals of the Six Kings Slam and will could be set for a showdown against Djokovic in Saturday’s Grand Final.
‘I want to try my best,’ Nadal added. ‘I know the challenge is huge because I am going to be facing players that has been on the road facing the best players in the world.
‘My expectations are not very high. But on a personal level, I’m very excited to be on the court and play against these guys again.
‘I think the show is going to be fantastic. When you put together all these players, I think the fans are going to be very well entertained and the show will be huge.’