Carlos Alcaraz is back on top of men’s tennis after reclaiming the position of world number one following his US Open triumph.
Having dropped just one set and three service games in his campaign at Flushing Meadows, Alcaraz is now a six-time major champion, equalling the tallies of Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg.
The Spaniard has also matched his compatriot, Rafael Nadal, in Grand Slams won before turning 23 years old.
Alcaraz, still just 22, has already carved out a legendary career, and many are now comparing the two-time US Open champion to the ‘big three’, including Jimmy Connors’ former doubles partner Spencer Segura, who had high praise for the young star after the final.
Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty ImagesSpencer Segura compares Carlos Alcaraz to Rafael Nadal
Speaking on ‘Advantage Connors’, Segura said: “Now I am going to say something crazy. I think the way Alcaraz plays today, I don’t think Nadal would beat him on this court. I don’t see it.
“I don’t see how he would be able to take that pace any better. Sinner has deeper hit ground strokes than Nadal.
“Nadal is the greatest of all time of the grinders. He hits the ball up high on the forehand, sets you up and pulls you off the court. He has a great backhand and his backhand is more flat.
“But I see Alcaraz being able to take advantage of the early ball on him, just as Djokovic did to some extent.
“They were very close, Alcaraz and Djokovic, but this kid maybe has more guns to hurt Nadal. I would also take him over Federer, to give you an outrageous statement.
“Why is Federer better? He has no backhand compared to him. He has a great serve and forehand and he’s a great athlete, but I don’t see what is better.
“I think Djokovic is the closest to him. If Djokovic serves well, he is the one who could stay. He also hugs the baseline, he doesn’t go way forward or back.
“The problem with Djokovic is he doesn’t serve well; he has these bouts where he serves great, but his second serve would get hurt by this kid. I think this kid is one of the best I have ever seen.”
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty ImagesCarlos Alcaraz’s record against the ‘big three’ at tour-level events
Though Alcaraz never faced Roger Federer on the ATP Tour, he has had several bouts with both Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
He has a losing record against Djokovic, trailing 5-4 in their head-to-head, but emerged victorious over the Serb in their most recent meeting at the US Open.
Alcaraz played Nadal three times early on in his career, and lost their first two clashes at the 2021 Madrid Open, and the 2022 Indian Wells Open.
After his loss in Indian Wells, later that year, he beat his countryman in the Spanish capital in three sets.