On the eve of his final campaign at the Paris Masters, Richard Gasquet shared his optimism about the future of men’s tennis, backing young stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to lead the sport into a new golden age. At 38, Gasquet’s own journey on the ATP Tour is winding down, and as he faces the close of his competitive career, he believes the path forward for tennis is bright—even as legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic fade from the scene.
For over two decades, Gasquet has played through an era of dominance by the “Big Three” of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, witnessing the trio claim a staggering number of titles, including 66 Grand Slams among them. However, 2024 marked a historic shift as, for the first time since 2002, none of the Big Three lifted a Grand Slam trophy. Federer retired in 2022, Nadal is set to play his final match at the Davis Cup in November, and while Djokovic is still active, his appearances are becoming increasingly selective, with the Serbian even skipping his title defense in Paris this year.
Gasquet, who has accepted a wildcard to participate in Paris for his final ATP Masters 1000 event, reflected on the emergence of Alcaraz and Sinner as evidence that tennis can thrive beyond the era of the Big Three. “We often said, me first, 25 years ago, ‘Tennis will no longer be the same without Agassi, without Sampras, without Kuerten,’” Gasquet said to a group of media outlets, including *Tennis Majors*. “Then Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic came along, giving us an extraordinary era.” The Frenchman expressed confidence that this pattern would continue, with Alcaraz already rising to the task.
With four Grand Slam titles at just 21 years old, Alcaraz has quickly established himself as a powerhouse in men’s tennis. Gasquet lauded the young Spaniard, particularly for his versatility, noting that Alcaraz is the first man in history to win a major title on all three surfaces—clay, grass, and hard court—by such a young age. “Alcaraz is no mean feat,” he said, admiring the 21-year-old’s consistency, athleticism, and maturity on the court. “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 doubts.”
Gasquet also sees great promise in Jannik Sinner, the 23-year-old Italian who recently ascended to the World No. 1 ranking. Sinner’s recent performances, including title wins and impressive battles against top players, have led many to predict a long and fruitful career at the top. Gasquet acknowledged Sinner’s potential, describing him as “a big player” and suggesting that his combination of power and skill could take tennis to new heights. “Sinner is playing very well too,” Gasquet said. “He and Alcaraz are going to be the two best players in the world over the next 15 years. They play very fast, and they’re raising the level of tennis even further.”
As for Djokovic, Gasquet was realistic, noting that while the Serbian remains a formidable force on tour, the focus will inevitably shift more towards the younger players. “Djokovic is still around more or less, but we’re going to be seeing a lot more of both [Alcaraz and Sinner],” he said. “There are a lot of people in the stands, and tennis will continue to be like that for the next 15 years. These two are going to raise the level of the sport.” Gasquet’s endorsement of Alcaraz and Sinner echoes what many fans and analysts are beginning to see as a new era in tennis, one in which the fierce competition between these two young stars could propel the sport forward.
Gasquet’s own presence in Paris this year marks a bittersweet milestone. Since his debut at the Paris Masters in 2003, the Frenchman has returned to the tournament 15 times, with some notable performances along the way, including a semifinal finish in 2007 and quarterfinal appearances in 2013 and 2015. While 2023 ended in disappointment for him, as he lost in the first round to American Tommy Paul in a tight three-setter, Gasquet’s determination to keep competing highlights his deep love for the game. He has also announced that he intends to officially retire following the 2025 French Open, allowing him one final chance to say goodbye on home soil.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz and Sinner enter this year’s Paris Masters with a bye in the first round, underscoring their status as two of the top seeds. Alcaraz, currently ranked World No. 2, awaits the winner of a match between Nicolas Jarry and a qualifier, while Sinner, the World No. 1, is set to face either American Ben Shelton or Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in his opening round. Djokovic, who clinched the title in Paris last year, opted to sit out this year, citing the need to rest ahead of the ATP Finals. With Djokovic absent, the tournament offers Alcaraz and Sinner a chance to make their mark in Paris and perhaps set the stage for a budding rivalry at the top.
Gasquet’s confidence in Alcaraz and Sinner goes beyond mere admiration; it reflects his genuine belief that these players can carry the sport forward, attracting audiences and bringing high-stakes drama to every tournament they enter. As he prepares to leave the sport, Gasquet appears content to pass the torch, knowing that the legacy of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic will live on through the excitement generated by Alcaraz and Sinner.
As Gasquet takes to the court for his final Paris Masters run, fans will undoubtedly be cheering him on, aware of the rich career he has built and the dedication he has shown to tennis over the years. But equally, they’ll be watching to see if Alcaraz and Sinner can seize their moment on one of the biggest stages in the sport. The future Gasquet envisions for tennis may well be unfolding in real-time, with these young champions poised to create their own extraordinary era.