Remember when men’s tennis revolved around the titanic grip of the Big 4: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djoković, and Andy Murray? With only Novak still lingering on tour, the others have gracefully bowed out, leaving behind a legacy and a void. But now, two new titans, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, carry the torch with fire in their eyes and thunder in their rackets. Are they better than the legendary four at their peak? That’s a bold question. But Hubert Hurkacz, one of the few to face both generations head-on, has spoken, and his claim carries a sharp clarification worth hearing.

The echoes of the Big Four still linger across tennis courts worldwide, but a new storm has taken over. Hubert Hurkacz, a former world No. 6 who has stood across the net from legends like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray, now finds himself battling the next wave, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. 

And after their unforgettable showdown at Roland Garros and Sinner’s resounding response at Wimbledon, one thing is clear: this generation isn’t just promising, it’s performing at a level that demands attention.

At an Adidas event in London, Hurkacz spoke to Tennis365, laying down a statement that will spark debate among fans and purists alike. “It’s difficult to say who wins when they are all playing their best tennis,” he began. But then came the punchline. “I feel like the level is growing every single year, and obviously, we can say the level is better than it was ten years ago, but that is not to say Roger, Rafa, Novak and Andy could not get to where we are now.”

With sharp honesty, Hurkacz gave credit where it’s due while also sounding the alarm. “They also improved every year and raised the bar, so if they were playing now, they would still be improving. What we can say is Jannik and Carlos are playing at an incredible level now, and it is up to the rest of us to work hard to keep up with them,” he said. “That’s why I wake up every morning and work so hard to try and reach those levels. They are setting a big target now, so that is what we have to aim for.”

Sinner’s Wimbledon crown, his fourth Grand Slam title, has made the tennis world sit up straight. At just 23, he now owns the second-best start in Grand Slam history since 2000, boasting 81 wins in his first 100 matches. Only one man holds a better record in that stat, Carlos Alcaraz, who already has five Grand Slams and remains the bar Sinner must reach to sit alone at the summit.

But neither man can afford to breathe easy. The shadow of history looms large. Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic sit with 20, 22, and 24 Slams, respectively. That mountain remains distant, and while comparisons stir excitement, the journey to that peak is a different beast. 

Tennis legend John McEnroe added fuel to the fire, boldly claiming at Roland Garros that both Sinner and Alcaraz could beat Nadal at his peak on clay. “You would make a serious argument with both guys that they would be favoured to beat Nadal at his best,” McEnroe told TNT Sports. “Do I think they’re gonna reach 20, 24 (titles), either one of them? No, because that plateau is so hard. But these two guys right now, it’s like when you watch the NBA and you say nobody could be better than Michael Jordan. The tennis level right now is higher than I’ve ever seen.”

The rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner is not a story of tomorrow; it’s a saga unfolding in real time. The Spaniard may have edged the French Open, but Jannik Sinner returned fire on grass. As they sit atop the ATP rankings, No.1 and No.2, the throne remains unstable.

With the North American swing looming large and Alcaraz hungry for redemption, Sinner’s top spot is under siege. The race is on, and the chase promises fireworks.

Carlos Alcaraz eyes Jannik Sinner’s 58-week ranking reign

Shortly after Wimbledon, Jannik Sinner etched his name into tennis history by becoming the first Italian man to reach the ATP No. 1 ranking. Carlos Alcaraz, despite capturing another Grand Slam trophy, had lost ground in the rankings race, partly due to injuries and missed events earlier in the season. What began as a thrilling on-court rivalry has now transformed into a full-blown battle for global supremacy.

The 2025 Wimbledon final was the boiling point. Alcaraz was gunning for a third straight crown on grass, but Sinner, determined and defiant, flipped the script. In a fiercely fought contest, the Italian out-dueled his Spanish rival to clinch his fourth Slam title. More than a statement win, it widened his ranking lead from 1,130 points to a seemingly massive 3,430. But in tennis, numbers don’t always tell the whole truth.

Sinner is now staring down the most unforgiving stretch of his calendar. Last summer’s North American hard-court run saw him pile on 3,200 points, quarterfinals in Toronto, a title in Cincinnati, and a maiden US Open triumph. All of those points are now on the chopping block. Alcaraz? He’s entering this phase with barely any baggage, just 60 points to defend after a forgettable swing last year. That US Open loss to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets still echoes as his worst Slam showing since his debut in 2021.

This isn’t just a battle of rankings; it’s a war of weight. Sinner’s 58-week reign at the top is a monumental feat, but one that could crack under pressure. Every step he takes now must be calculated, every win earned with fire. Alcaraz, playing freer and hungrier, is in striking distance. With every victory, he chips away at Sinner’s cushion, turning comfort into vulnerability.

As the US Open approaches, the duel is no longer about who’s better; it’s about who endures. The stage is set for a showdown of titans. When the dust settles in New York, who will still be standing atop the mountain: Sinner with his hard-earned grip, or Alcaraz with a roaring comeback?