As the clay courts of Madrid buzz with anticipation for the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, tennis legend Boris Becker has ignited excitement with a bold declaration: the sport’s future hinges on the electrifying rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The six-time Grand Slam champion, speaking on the evolving landscape of men’s tennis, emphasized that both players are indispensable, likening their impact to that of the iconic “Big Three”—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Becker’s passionate endorsement underscores the dynamic energy Sinner and Alcaraz bring, ensuring tennis remains vibrant in a post-Big Three era.
Becker’s comments come as Sinner, the World No. 1, returns to the ATP Tour following a three-month doping suspension, a controversy that has tested his resilience. Despite the setback, the 23-year-old Italian has maintained his top ranking, buoyed by his 2025 Australian Open title defense and a 66-6 record last season, which included seven titles, among them the US Open. Alcaraz, ranked No. 2, has countered with a stellar year of his own, clinching the Monte Carlo Masters and Rotterdam Open, bringing his career tally to six Masters 1000 titles. Their rivalry, now at 6-4 in Alcaraz’s favor after his epic three-set victory over Sinner in the 2024 China Open final, has become the heartbeat of men’s tennis. “I think that the tennis has as much need of Jannik as it does of Carlos Alcaraz,” Becker stated, highlighting their complementary styles and the global appeal they command.
The German icon sees Sinner and Alcaraz as heirs to the legacies of Djokovic and Federer, respectively. He praises Sinner’s relentless consistency, noting, “Jannik never goes under par, he always plays at a very high level and brings top-quality tennis to the court.” This mirrors Djokovic’s baseline dominance, with Sinner’s speed and shot-making pushing opponents off balance. Alcaraz, conversely, dazzles with Federer-like flair, his footwork and shot variety captivating crowds. “Alcaraz’s style of play, in terms of beauty, is more similar to the Swiss,” Becker observed, though he acknowledged Alcaraz’s idolization of Nadal. Their contrasting approaches—Sinner’s metronomic precision versus Alcaraz’s explosive creativity—create must-watch battles, like their 2024 French Open semi-final, which Alcaraz won in five sets.
Becker’s belief in their necessity stems from tennis’s transitional phase. With Nadal retired, Federer long gone, and Djokovic, at 37, selective in his appearances, the sport craves new icons. Sinner and Alcaraz, both under 24, have filled the void, splitting the 2024 Grand Slams and dominating the ATP rankings. “There is only one ‘Nole’, one Federer, and one Nadal,” Becker said, “but I think that with these guys, tennis is really in good hands.” Their ability to draw crowds, evidenced by sold-out arenas from Melbourne to Madrid, and their off-court camaraderie—seen when they traveled together to the Shanghai Masters post-China Open—enhance their appeal. Alcaraz’s support for Sinner during his doping ordeal, calling him “a beast” for his mental fortitude, further cements their status as role models.
The Madrid Open offers a fresh stage for their rivalry. Sinner, absent last year due to injury, faces Taro Daniel in the second round, while Alcaraz, a two-time champion, meets Ethan Quinn. A potential semi-final clash looms, promising another chapter in their saga. Becker also sees a third star emerging, naming Ben Shelton as a candidate to join them in a “new Big Three.” “I watched the American for a long time in the Laver Cup, and I liked his attitude,” he said, citing Shelton’s showmanship and Houston ATP 250 title. Yet, for now, Sinner and Alcaraz reign supreme, their rivalry driving tennis forward.
Becker’s vision extends beyond individual triumphs. He sees Sinner and Alcaraz as ambassadors who can sustain the sport’s global popularity, much like their predecessors. Their youth, talent, and mutual respect ensure that tennis remains a spectacle, whether on Madrid’s clay or Wimbledon’s grass. As Sinner aims to reclaim his momentum and Alcaraz chases a third Madrid title, Becker’s words resonate: tennis not only wants but needs these two to keep the flame burning bright.