In the wake of an electrifying French Open final that left the tennis world buzzing, former world No. 1 Boris Becker has ignited a fiery debate by declaring Carlos Alcaraz not only a “genius” but also the greatest player in the history of the sport. The 22-year-old Spaniard’s breathtaking comeback against Jannik Sinner in Paris, coupled with his unparalleled blend of skill and charisma, has prompted Becker to place him above legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Recorded live on a grass court during the Stuttgart Open for his podcast with former top-10 player Andrea Petkovic, Becker’s bold proclamation has set the stage for heated discussions as Alcaraz prepares to defend his Wimbledon title starting June 30, 2025.
Alcaraz’s performance at Roland Garros was nothing short of historic. Trailing two sets to none against the world No. 1 Sinner, who had not dropped a set en route to the final, Alcaraz faced three championship points in the fourth set. Yet, the young prodigy summoned what Becker called a “seventh gear,” unleashing a level of play that turned the tide in a grueling five-hour, 29-minute epic—the longest final in French Open history. The final score of 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(10-2) sealed Alcaraz’s fifth Grand Slam title and cemented his status as a generational talent. “The variation, the power, the feel for the ball—I don’t know of any player in the history of tennis who has this combination,” Becker said, his voice brimming with awe. “For me, he’s a genius. When he’s challenged, fit, and motivated, he finds another level that no other player has.”
Becker’s praise goes beyond Alcaraz’s technical prowess. The six-time Grand Slam champion, who revolutionized tennis with his explosive serve in the 1980s and 1990s, sees in Alcaraz a rare ability to transcend the sport. “He plays with a smile on his face, and he draws crowds into the thousands onto the stadium courts or on television,” Becker noted, highlighting the Spaniard’s infectious charisma. This charisma, paired with his relentless competitive spirit, has made Alcaraz a global phenomenon. His 2025 season, boasting a 37-5 record and titles in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, and the French Open, underscores his dominance. “He’s the most spectacular player on the tour right now, he gets the most spectators in, has the largest fanbase,” Becker added, emphasizing Alcaraz’s role in carrying tennis into a new era.
The German legend’s claim that Alcaraz is the “best player of all time” has sparked controversy, given the towering legacies of the Big Three. Federer’s elegance, Nadal’s clay-court supremacy, and Djokovic’s record 24 Grand Slams set a high bar. Yet, Becker argues Alcaraz’s unique blend of attributes—powerful groundstrokes, delicate touch, and an uncanny ability to elevate his game under pressure—sets him apart. “He always has a seventh gear,” Becker said, a touch of envy in his tone. This ability was evident not only in Paris but also in Alcaraz’s 2023 Wimbledon triumph over Djokovic, which Becker previously called the day Alcaraz “became a man,” marking a changing of the guard.
Alcaraz’s rivalry with Sinner, who leads the ATP rankings, is another reason for Becker’s enthusiasm. Their French Open clash, likened to the epic battles of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, signals a bright future for men’s tennis. “It was the same with Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal. What epic duels they’ve had over 15 years, and that’s exactly the level I see Carlos and Jannik at,” Becker said. He predicted Sinner would need a year to recover from the heartbreaking loss, noting, “Losing a final with match points, served for the match. There’s nothing worse.” Yet, he believes their rivalry will elevate the sport, much like the Big Three did.
As Alcaraz shifts focus to Wimbledon, where he aims to defend his 2023 and 2024 titles, the weight of expectations grows. His grass-court prowess, showcased in Stuttgart and Queen’s Club, makes him a favorite, but challenges from Sinner, Djokovic, and emerging talents like Holger Rune loom large. Alcaraz remains unfazed, saying, “Playing for Spain is always a source of pride,” a nod to his upcoming Davis Cup commitments. His ability to balance intense competition with a joyful approach—evident in his pre-tournament smiles at Indian Wells—has won hearts, with Becker calling his smile “infectious.”
Becker’s bold endorsement, while divisive, reflects Alcaraz’s transformative impact. At 22, with five Grand Slams and a silver Olympic medal, Alcaraz’s trajectory suggests he could redefine greatness. Whether he’s truly the GOAT remains a question for time, but as Becker sees it, Alcaraz is already rewriting tennis history with every swing of his racket.
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