In the electrifying aftermath of Carlos Alcaraz’s heart-stopping triumph at the 2025 French Open, tennis legend Andre Agassi has bestowed upon the young Spaniard a moniker that captures his otherworldly talent: a “tennis UFO.” At just 22, Alcaraz has already etched his name among the sport’s elite, clinching his fifth Grand Slam title in a grueling five-set epic against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The match, a five-hour, 29-minute marathon on Court Philippe-Chatrier, saw Alcaraz rally from two sets down to win 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2), a performance that Agassi believes showcases a player who embodies the finest qualities of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic—perhaps even surpassing them in certain aspects.
Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, was in Paris to present the trophies at Roland Garros, where he witnessed Alcaraz’s heroics up close. Reflecting on the Spaniard’s game, Agassi said, “You’ve got to remember, this guy has defensive speed like Novak, if not more. He has feel like Federer, you got to at times, if not more. His RPMs at pace, like Rafa, you could argue, maybe even more.” This glowing assessment highlights Alcaraz’s rare blend of athleticism, finesse, and power, qualities that have propelled him to major titles across all three surfaces: the 2022 US Open, Wimbledon in 2023 and 2024, and the French Open in 2024 and 2025. Agassi’s praise didn’t stop there. He marveled at Alcaraz’s movement, particularly on grass, noting, “When he gets there on the grass and you bring in that UFO movement… his second step is ridiculous, and he believes in it so much, he doesn’t peel out defensively when you push him to corners.”
Alcaraz’s victory over Sinner was a historic milestone, making him the third-fastest man to reach five Grand Slam titles, a feat he shares with his idol, Nadal. “Honestly, the coincidence of winning my fifth Grand Slam at the same age as Rafa Nadal, I’m going to say that’s destiny,” Alcaraz said, beaming with pride. “It is a stat that I’m going to keep for me forever, winning the fifth Grand Slam at the same time as Rafa, my idol, my inspiration.” The match itself was a testament to Alcaraz’s resilience, as he fought off triple championship point in the fourth set and dominated the fifth-set tiebreak, a performance some have called the finest of his career.
What sets Alcaraz apart, according to Agassi, is his ability to maintain blistering speed across surfaces, especially on grass, where most players see a slight dip in court coverage. “The thing that amazes me most watching Carlos play live is how little his speed diminishes [from] clay [to] grass,” Agassi remarked. This adaptability has fueled Alcaraz’s meteoric rise, with 20 ATP Tour-level singles titles, including seven ATP 1000 crowns, and a stint as the youngest world No. 1 in ATP history at 19. His rivalry with Sinner, now 8-4 in Alcaraz’s favor, promises to define the next era of men’s tennis, with their 2025 French Open final drawing comparisons to the epic clashes of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.
Yet, Agassi tempered his praise with a note of caution, warning that Alcaraz’s extraordinary gifts don’t guarantee he’ll match the Big Three’s longevity or title hauls—Djokovic’s 24 majors, Nadal’s 22, and Federer’s 20. “Just because he has the best of all three doesn’t mean he can do what they did,” Agassi said at the TiE Global Summit 2024. “Decision-making, injuries, luck… there are so many things.” Alcaraz himself acknowledges the challenge, admitting in his Netflix documentary, *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*, that he prioritizes happiness over relentless pursuit of records. “I definitely prefer to put happiness before any kind of accomplishment,” he said, a mindset that endears him to fans who adore his infectious smile and charismatic shot-making.
As Alcaraz sets his sights on the 2025 Australian Open, where a victory could make him the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam, the tennis world watches with bated breath. Agassi’s endorsement, echoed by peers like Djokovic, who called Alcaraz a “complete player” after their 2023 Wimbledon final, underscores the Spaniard’s potential to redefine the sport. With his UFO-like movement, Federer-esque touch, Nadal-like spin, and Djokovic-level defense, Alcaraz is not just carrying the torch of tennis’ golden era—he’s igniting a new one.
Leave a Reply