Mats Wilander, the former world number one, has ignited a firestorm of debate with his bold claim that the iconic “Big 3″—Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal—have never produced a match surpassing the electrifying clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at last week’s China Open final. Speaking on October 5, Wilander didn’t hold back, asserting that when Alcaraz and Sinner hit their peak, “no one plays tennis better than them.” The epic showdown in Beijing, which stretched over three hours and 21 minutes, saw the Spaniard edge out his Italian rival in a nail-biting 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) thriller, captivating fans and analysts alike.
Wilander, appearing on Eurosport, went as far as to label the China Open final one of the greatest sporting spectacles ever witnessed. He praised the duo’s ability to deliver entertainment, suspense, and explosive moments, noting how their encounters consistently showcase an extraordinary level of skill. “The match could’ve swung either way at any moment because neither feels threatened by the other,” he observed, highlighting the razor-thin margins that define their rivalry. For Wilander, the intensity and unpredictability of Alcaraz versus Sinner outshine even the most legendary battles of the Big 3, a statement that has sent shockwaves through the tennis community.
The reaction was swift and polarized. Many Eurosport viewers pushed back, arguing that Alcaraz and Sinner, despite their brilliance, can’t yet match the towering legacy of Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal. “The best versions of the Big 3 are unmatched by anyone in history, including these two,” one fan commented, reflecting a sentiment shared by those who see the trio’s Grand Slam haul—collectively over 60 titles—as an untouchable benchmark. Alcaraz himself has distanced himself from such comparisons, humbly acknowledging the gap. “Let’s not talk about this—only the Big 3 have hit the greatest milestones,” the 21-year-old, who boasts four Grand Slam titles, said after his Beijing triumph. “I’ve got years ahead to try and follow in their footsteps.”
Yet Wilander stands firm, doubling down on his provocative take. He argues that Alcaraz, already a former world number one with four majors at such a young age, is among the best ever at 21, and that Sinner isn’t far behind. “I hope Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer don’t hear this, but in terms of pure tennis ability, these two are better,” he declared. He points to their technical wizardry and the complexity of their play as evidence, suggesting they’re pushing the sport into uncharted territory. This year alone, Alcaraz and Sinner have traded blows with Djokovic, splitting the four Grand Slams among them and signaling a seismic shift in tennis’s power structure.
The debate now shifts to the Shanghai Masters, where all three players are in action. Djokovic, making his first appearance at Asia’s biggest event in five years, arrived early, soaking in the Great Wall and honing his game at Qizhong Arena. Meanwhile, Alcaraz and Sinner have stormed into the fourth round, dispatching Yu Wibing and Tomas Martin Etcheverry on October 6. Djokovic’s third-round opponent remains TBD, with rain delaying the Flavio Cobolli-Stan Wawrinka match to 7 p.m. on October 7. As the trio converges in Shanghai, the tennis world watches with bated breath—Wilander’s words have lit a fuse, and every rally feels like a chance to prove or disprove his audacious claim.
Whether you buy into Wilander’s hype or side with the Big 3’s defenders, one thing is clear: Alcaraz and Sinner are rewriting the script. Their China Open classic has set a new bar, and with Djokovic still in the mix, the Shanghai Masters could be the next battleground in this generational showdown. Wilander’s comments may rankle traditionalists, but they’ve undeniably thrown down a gauntlet—challenging fans to rethink what greatness looks like in a sport long dominated by its holy trinity.
