Carlos Alcaraz Names the Greatest Tennis Player of All Time

Carlos Alcaraz says Novak Djokovic is the greatest tennis player of all time.
Carlos Alcaraz said Novak Djokovic was the tennis GOAT.
Carlos Alcaraz said Novak Djokovic was the tennis GOAT. / Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports


The era of the Big Three in tennis is almost over, and a new generation is taking over. At the front of the tennis vanguard is Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz has won four Grand Slam titles and could one day be in the GOAT conversation.

While the 21-year-old still has a long way to go before entering the debate himself, he can still have an opinion on the matter. In a hilarious and quick-hitting interview with Sharky on the ATP Tour social media channels, Alcaraz answered several questions.

Everything from the biggest trash-talker to the best wingman to the most underrated players was discussed. But it was Alcaraz's answer in the GOAT debate that drew the most attention.

When asked who the tennis GOAT was, Alcaraz said, "As far as numbers, it's Novak Djokovic without a doubt. The other two, [Roger] Federer and Rafa [Nadal]. For me, they're tops."

Alcaraz is not wrong about Djokovic's resume, which is bolstered by a record 24 Grand Slam men's singles titles. It helped him get near the top of ESPN's list of the 100 greatest athletes of the 21st Century.

The debate will continue to rage on, but Alcaraz has posited his theory into the discussion. There is no doubt that he could one day reach that level of greatness in the sport. In the meantime, Alcaraz will continue preparing for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

Further Reading: Carlos Alcaraz is celebrating every Grand Slam victory with a new tattoo.


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Pat Benson

PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.