'I’d like to be the greatest in history and sit at the Big Three’s table': Carlos Alcaraz opens up on ultimate ambition

Carlos Alcaraz spoke about the constant comparisons to the Big-3— Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—and his desire to surpass their achievements. The 4-time Grand Slam champion is focused on carving his own path and admitted that his ultimate goal is to “become the greatest in history.”

The world No. 3 has faced criticism in recent months due to inconsistent results. After clinching back-to-back Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, his performances have lacked the same level of consistency he showed in previous seasons.

Since lifting the Wimbledon trophy, Alcaraz holds a 26-10 record, with titles at the Shanghai Masters 1000 and Rotterdam ATP 500. However, he failed to advance past the third round at events like the Cincinnati Open, US Open, Paris Masters, or Indian Wells, and was also eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open—considered a strong opportunity for him to complete the Career Slam.

At just 21 years old, Alcaraz has been tipped as the heir to the Big-3 throne since his breakthrough on Tour. The comparisons began early in his career, and many believe he has the potential to match the achievements of his legendary predecessors.

“It’s difficult for me to talk about winning 20 Grand Slam titles at the moment. I only have four, and it would be a mistake to focus on 20 when the next one would be my fifth,” he said in an interview with GQ España. “I’ve been happy winning these four, and I hope I can keep that happiness going in the coming years.”

Alcaraz also acknowledged the rise of Jannik Sinner as a potential rival—one whose level may match his own. Still, he refrained from comparing it to the rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, which he called “unique and unrepeatable.” The Italian has already broken records, winning three of the last five Grand Slams and spending 44 weeks at world No. 1—surpassing Alcaraz’s 36 weeks at the top.

“Nadal and Federer are one of a kind. Jannik and I have built a nice rivalry over the past few years, and I hope we can keep competing for the sport’s biggest titles for many years. That would be a good sign for everyone.”