Richard Gasquet, a seasoned French tennis star and former world No. 7, has made a bold prediction about the future of tennis, saying he believes Carlos Alcaraz is destined to follow in the footsteps of legends like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Gasquet, who has been a part of the ATP circuit for over two decades, shared his thoughts on the sport’s future as he prepares for his final appearance at the Paris Masters. With the anticipated generational shift after the Big Three era of Federer, Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, Gasquet asserts that the sport’s future is in safe hands, particularly with Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner.
Alcaraz has been a whirlwind force on the court since his breakthrough, and his meteoric rise has prompted many to compare him to Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. At just 21, Alcaraz has already won four Grand Slam titles, capturing the 2022 US Open, the 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon titles, and the 2024 French Open. His consistent performance, aggressive play, and maturity on the court have led many, including Gasquet, to believe he will become a defining figure in the sport for years to come.
Gasquet was candid about his admiration for Alcaraz’s game, marveling at the young Spaniard’s ability to dominate on the biggest stages in tennis. “Alcaraz is not nothing,” he said, underscoring his belief in Alcaraz’s potential to become a transcendent player. “When I see him play, when I see his attitude, his level of play, it’s crazy. I tell myself that this player will be a new Federer and Nadal, I have no doubt.” For Gasquet, Alcaraz’s success, work ethic, and athleticism evoke the qualities of Federer’s elegance, Nadal’s tenacity, and Djokovic’s adaptability – a unique combination that makes him an extraordinary talent.
At the upcoming Paris Masters, Alcaraz is seeded second and will face either Nicolas Jarry or a qualifier in his first match. As the season draws to a close, he is eyeing his first indoor hard-court title, a goal that would further cement his status as one of the sport’s elite players. Meanwhile, Gasquet, who recently announced his intention to retire after the 2025 French Open, will also be competing in Paris. The 38-year-old Frenchman, currently ranked 133rd, will play Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in the opening round. Despite his advanced age in tennis terms, Gasquet remains passionate about the game and is eager to witness the next generation take the reins.
In addition to Alcaraz, Gasquet is also optimistic about Jannik Sinner, the Italian prodigy who has steadily risen through the ranks with a similarly fearless style of play. Sinner, who has captured notable titles this season and showcased his talents against the world’s best players, has been compared to Alcaraz for his bold shot-making and relentless energy on the court. Gasquet believes that Sinner, along with Alcaraz, will usher in a new era of tennis that builds on the legacy of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic while also pushing the game to new heights.
“They’re going to be the two best players in the world in the next fifteen years,” Gasquet said with conviction. “They have an incredible level, they play very fast, they’re raising the level of tennis even higher.” His confidence in the future talents of Alcaraz and Sinner mirrors the kind of excitement tennis fans felt when the Big Three began to dominate, which Gasquet noted was itself an unexpected blessing following the retirements of previous stars like Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, and Gustavo Kuerten.
Gasquet believes the sport has an enduring appeal that transcends individual players, and the recent success of Alcaraz and Sinner affirms this belief. “It has often been said, myself first, 25 years ago: ‘Tennis will not be the same without Agassi, without Sampras, without Kuerten.’ Then we had Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, an extraordinary era,” Gasquet said, reflecting on the sport’s ability to evolve and captivate new audiences. “Djokovic is still a little bit there, but we’re going to see both of them [Alcaraz and Sinner] more often. There are people in the stands, and it’s going to continue like this for fifteen years for tennis.”
Gasquet’s insights add to a larger conversation about the future of men’s tennis, which is at a pivotal juncture with Federer retired, Nadal nearing the end of his career, and Djokovic still contending but likely in his final competitive years. While the Big Three era set an unparalleled standard of excellence, the emergence of Alcaraz, Sinner, and other young talents provides optimism that tennis will continue to thrive and inspire future generations. The presence of these new faces with their dynamic playstyles, athleticism, and competitive drive suggests that tennis is on the cusp of an exciting new era.
The Frenchman’s appreciation for Alcaraz and Sinner is shared by many in the tennis community, as both young players bring a sense of unpredictability and energy to each match they play. As fans prepare to bid farewell to the iconic Big Three, the excitement surrounding Alcaraz and Sinner offers hope that tennis will continue to draw massive audiences, uphold high standards of sportsmanship, and create unforgettable moments on the global stage. Gasquet’s prediction that Alcaraz and Sinner will lead the sport for the next decade and beyond resonates with fans and players alike, all eager to witness the unfolding story of this promising new era in tennis.