Former World No. 6 Says Carlos Alcaraz is ‘Already on Par with Legends Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer’

Carlos Alcaraz Compared to Tennis Legends by Gael Monfils, Who Says the 21-Year-Old is Already a “Complete Player”

At just 21 years old, Carlos Alcaraz has already established himself as a formidable force in tennis, with veteran player Gael Monfils comparing the young Spaniard to legends like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.

Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has claimed consecutive Wimbledon titles in 2023 and 2024, both times defeating Djokovic in the finals. His first Roland Garros title in July 2024 also made him the youngest man to complete the Surface Slam, winning major titles on all three surfaces in tennis, after his hard-court victory at the 2022 US Open.

Although Alcaraz has a way to go before surpassing the records of the Big Three—Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer—Monfils already views him as being in the same league as those iconic players.

“At this moment, I see him as Novak, as Rafa, as Roger,” Monfils told the ATP Tour’s official website. “He’s just younger, but he is already like those legends.”

Alcaraz stands out not only for his impressive results but also for his entertaining style of play and the joy he brings to the court. Often described as a blend of Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal, Alcaraz possesses a unique combination of athleticism and skill that Monfils admires.

“He’s a complete athlete with speed, endurance, power, and his tennis is very complete,” said the former world No. 6. “Backhand, forehand, he’s strong all around. He’s just a really, really complete player.”

At 37 years old, Monfils is nearing the end of his career but still relishes the opportunity to compete against rising stars like Alcaraz and current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, finding motivation in the challenge.

“For me, it’s always cool to play such a big star like Carlos or Jannik,” he said. “Of course, in my prime, it was Novak or others, but playing against these youngsters is always a pleasure.”