Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune are taking the ATP Tour by storm, reminiscent of a legendary tennis trio from the past. Everyone has seen what Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have done and brought to the game—something that can never be repeated. But at the same time, there has been discussions regarding the next trio, including Rune, who have been displaying “terrific tennis” lately.

The 20-year-old Danish tennis player is part of the discussion; the biggest question is whether he is the perfect fit for the next ‘Big Three.’ Although, despite receiving unwanted criticism for his performance and on-court demeanor, the 43-year-old Swiss tennis legend’s coach, Paul Annacone, revealed his thoughts on Rune’s already being in line to be a part of the next trio.

Is Holger Rune ready to be a part of the next Big 3? 

In a recent Tennis Channel podcast, the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s former coach opened up about his take on whether Rune can fit in the next big trio. Annacone stated, “He is getting close, and not sure that I would put anyone in the same set as the Big 3 as we have seen for the past couple of decades, so there is a lot of work to be done, clearly those three have played some terrific tennis.” 

Along with that, as someone who has seen Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic ruling tennis for decades, believe that there is a lot of work left before any player can get into the next Big 3 clan. But at the same time, he also dwelled on how the Danish tennis player is looking into his performances, which apparently faced a lot of backlash and criticism in the past few months.

Further, he added, “But for Rune, I think he is there, there about he is right there, he has been in the top 10, for a long time now, he is gonna slide outside the top 10, after the loss today. Very athletic… I actually think what makes him unique on the clay, he is one of the best forward movers on clay and that’s when he plays his best tennis. When he just stays in lateral tennis, he is a little bit vulnerable.” 

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Not only that, Federer’s ex-coach also highlighted how he’s more like the 36-year-old Serbian tennis player with all the aggression he brings into the game. Moreover, a few months ago, even the 24-time Grand Slam champion shared his take on the upcoming trio.

Djokovic calls out the next big three

The world number one ranked tennis player, last year spoke highly about playing against the next generation and even talked about his competition with the successors of the Big Three. He stated, “Rune, Alcaraz and him [Jannik Sinner] are the big three, next big three, if you want to call them. They are going to carry this sport.”

Further, he also highlighted how he will keep playing until he is able to win against these three on the big stage. “I will hang on for as long as I feel like hanging on, as long as I’m…” He further explained how he can stop when he is still giving tough competition and winning titles on the court.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what the next Big 3 will look like. However, what are your thoughts on Rune being a part of the Big 3 even after not having a Grand Slam title under his name for now? Do let us know in the comment section below.

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