In the vibrant world of men’s tennis, where legends like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic once cast towering shadows, a new era is unfolding, and Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish phenom, is at its forefront. Fresh off his victory at the 2025 Italian Open, where he defeated Jannik Sinner in a thrilling 7-6(5), 6-1 final, Alcaraz shared a bold and optimistic perspective on the state of the sport during a press conference at the French Open, where he is defending his 2024 title. As the world No. 3 and a four-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz declared the current top 30 players to be among the strongest ever, emphasizing the depth and competitiveness of the ATP Tour. “I think so [the level is strong]. In general the top 20, 25, they play a high level of tennis,” he said, highlighting the emergence of young talents and the unpredictability that now defines tournaments. His words paint a vivid picture of a sport in transition, brimming with opportunity and fierce rivalries.
Alcaraz’s assessment comes at a pivotal moment for men’s tennis. With Nadal and Federer retired and Djokovic no longer the dominant force, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Alcaraz and Sinner, who together have claimed the last five Grand Slam titles, stand as the torchbearers of this new era, but the Spaniard is quick to point out that the field is far from a two-man race. “We could say right now for example Mensik is 20/21 [in the world] and he won Miami, so that means how strong the top 30 is right now,” Alcaraz noted, referencing Jakub Mensik’s breakthrough victory at the 2025 Miami Open. The rise of players like Mensik, Jack Draper, who clinched Indian Wells, and Casper Ruud, a consistent contender, underscores the depth Alcaraz celebrates. “As I said, right now we have a really open draw that anyone can make a really good result and win the tournament. I think that’s really good for tennis,” he added, his enthusiasm reflecting a belief that this openness fuels excitement and growth for the sport.
The Spaniard’s own journey mirrors this dynamic shift. At just 22, Alcaraz has already amassed 19 ATP titles, including four majors—two US Opens, Wimbledon 2024, and the French Open 2024—and seven ATP 1000 titles, with his recent Italian Open triumph adding to his clay-court legacy. His victory over Sinner in Rome, where he saved two set points in a gripping first-set tiebreak before dominating the second, showcased the aggressive, versatile style that has drawn comparisons to Nadal, though both players have dismissed the “baby Rafa” label. Alcaraz’s path hasn’t been without challenges. After a mentally taxing 2024 season, marked by a US Open loss and an admission of struggling with pressure—“I’ve taken steps backwards, like I’m not doing well mentally, I’m not strong”—he has shown resilience. A candid moment at Indian Wells 2025 saw him admit to feeling “nervous the whole day,” yet his Monte Carlo title a month later proved his ability to rebound. “Roland-Garros is a very special place for me,” he said, recalling childhood memories of rushing home to watch Spanish players, especially Nadal, dominate the clay. “I’ve enjoyed some unforgettable moments on court, and last year won in the final. It was incredible, a dream come true.”
Alcaraz’s perspective on the top 30’s strength is grounded in the rise of players like Draper, who surged to a career-high No. 6 after his Indian Wells triumph, and Holger Rune, who bested Alcaraz in the 2025 Barcelona final. “Definitely a big moment for me,” Draper said after his Masters 1000 win, a sentiment that echoes the hunger driving this new generation. Even veterans like Alexander Zverev, who reached the 2025 Australian Open final, and Andrey Rublev, a consistent top-10 presence, add to the tour’s depth, with Zverev noting his own struggles: “I have been losing a lot of matches where I feel like I couldn’t control lately.” Alcaraz, ever the advocate for player welfare, has also spoken out about the grueling tennis calendar, joking that “probably they are going to kill us in some way,” a nod to the physical and mental toll that has seen players like Sara Sorribes Tormo take breaks for their health.
As Alcaraz prepares to face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the French Open’s first round, his confidence is bolstered by his recent clay-court success and a renewed mental clarity. His Netflix series, *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*, released in April 2025, offered fans a glimpse into his 2024 struggles and triumphs, featuring insights from tennis greats like Nadal and Federer. Off the court, Alcaraz’s Carlos Alcaraz Garfia Foundation, launched in 2024, reflects his commitment to giving back, notably aiding Valencia’s flood victims. His charisma, marked by a signature wide smile, and his openness about mental health—evidenced by his public apology after breaking a racket in Cincinnati—make him a compelling figure. As he eyes a fifth Grand Slam, Alcaraz’s verdict on men’s tennis is clear: the top 30’s strength and the tour’s unpredictability are not just challenges but a thrilling opportunity for the sport to evolve.
# Carlos Alcaraz Hails Strength of Men’s Tennis Top 30
Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 3 and four-time Grand Slam champion, declared the current top 30 men’s tennis players among the strongest ever during a French Open press conference. Fresh off his 2025 Italian Open victory over Jannik Sinner, 7-6(5), 6-1, Alcaraz said, “I think so [the level is strong]. In general the top 20, 25, they play a high level of tennis.” He pointed to Jakub Mensik’s Miami Open win as evidence: “We could say right now for example Mensik is 20/21 [in the world] and he won Miami, so that means how strong the top 30 is right now.”
With Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer retired and Novak Djokovic less dominant, Alcaraz and Sinner have claimed the last five majors, but the Spaniard emphasized the tour’s depth. “As I said, right now we have a really open draw that anyone can make a really good result and win the tournament. I think that’s really good for tennis,” he said. His own 2024 season, including French Open and Wimbledon titles, was marked by mental struggles, with Alcaraz admitting, “I’ve taken steps backwards, like I’m not doing well mentally, I’m not strong.” Yet, his recent clay-court success signals a resurgence.
Alcaraz’s love for Roland Garros, where he defends his 2024 title, is personal: “Roland-Garros is a very special place for me. I watched many Spanish players do well here, including Rafa Nadal, of course.” As he prepares for his opener, his optimism about the tour’s competitiveness and his own growth positions him as a leader in tennis’ evolving landscape.
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