Greg Rusedski says Federer, Djokovic, Nadal retirement no issue thanks to 'complete' star
Greg Rusedski has allayed fears over a lack of quality in a post-Federer, Djokovic and Nadal world.
Tennis should not fear the retirements of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal because the ‘complete’ Carlos Alcaraz is the Big Three rolled into one, according to Greg Rusedski. The American has made the big claim after yet another impressive triumph for the teenage Alcaraz.
The Spaniard leapt back into the world No 1 spot last week after breezing to victory at Indian Wells. The 19-year-old defeated the in-form Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in a surprisingly comfortable final.
Tennis has already lost Federer to retirement, with the Swiss calling time on a remarkable career at the end of last year. And at 35 and 36, respectively, Djokovic and Nadal are in the final stretch of their career.
But in Alcaraz, former British No 1 Rusedski believes the sport need not worry about a world where tennis’ famed trio have retired. The 49-year-old says Alcaraz is a combination of all three stars.
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“He’s the most technically complete player I’ve ever seen at 19,” Rusedski told The Times. “He’s almost like a combination of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic rolled into one. Everyone worried about what’d happen after the ‘Big Three’ are gone. Well, Carlitos showed up.”
It is a stark contrast to a warning by Andy Murray burdening Alcaraz with expectations. The two-time Wimbledon champion believes it is easier for the reigning US Open to adopt his exciting and aggressive style at such a young age - and might not be able to replicate it later in his career.
"He has an excellent game, an all-around game that I think will translate well onto all surfaces," Murray said after Alcaraz’s Indian Wells victory.
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"He's not the biggest guy, but he can serve big. He's an unbelievable mover, great athlete. Has a lot of variety. Takes the ball on a lot. That's something you hope he keeps.
“I know from experience that it's a bit easier playing that way when you're 18 or 19 and there's not any scar tissue. I hope he maintains that style of play because it's exciting to watch.
"I know a lot of people are expecting everyone to win 20-plus Grand Slams now, like that's normal. I wouldn't predict that for anyone. I would imagine he would be right at the top of the game for as long as he wants to play."
