Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic feats 'incredible', Carlos Alcaraz 'has long way to go' - Barbara Schett

24.05.2023 - 11:55 eurosport.com

Eurosport expert Barbara Schett has recalled the «incredible» rivalry between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic while looking ahead to what Carlos Alcaraz can continue to achieve ahead of the French Open.

With Federer having retired at a highly emotional Laver Cup edition in London and Nadal having withdrawn ahead of Roland-Garros due to persistent injuries, Djokovic is the only member of the legendary 'Big Three' to be present at the second Grand Slam of the season.

Ad While many are keen to immediately throw their focus forward to the next generation of rising stars coming through in men's tennis, Schett paused in her French Open preview conversation with Eurosport to pay tribute to what the iconic trio have achieved.

Roland-GarrosMcEnroe: Nadal reminds me of LeBron, could win French Open next year3 HOURS AGO Alcaraz already has a Grand Slam title to his name, but Schett says he still «has a long way to go» if he is to emulate what Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have achieved in the game with comparisons somewhat premature. «Federer is irreplaceable,» Schett told members of the media ahead of the French Open, which will be live on Eurosport and discovery+. «Everyone has to make their own history, and what we’ve witnessed the last 15 years with Federer, Nadal and Djokovic is incredible.

tennis Barcelona Roger Federer Rafael Nadal Carlos Alcaraz Barbara Schett France London

Novak Djokovic scripted history on Sunday as he became the first man in the history of tennis to win 23 Grand Slam titles. Djokokvic, who was tied on 22 slams each with Rafael Nadal, defeated fourth seed Casper Ruud in straight sets in the French Open final to achieve the feat. Overall, he is tied on 23 Grand Slams each with Serena Williams. Following his win over Ruud at Roland Garros, social media has been flooded with congratulatory messages for him.

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Casper Ruud has reached three finals out of the last five Grand Slams played, an incredible achievement for any player. But he has yet to make it over the line, coming up just short against Novak Djokovic as the Serbian player made history at Roland-Garros. When Ruud reached this stage 12 months ago, he looked overawed to be playing his idol, Rafael Nadal, and only managed to win six games across three sets.

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Rafael Nadal has once again demonstrated how gracious he is with a classy congratulatory message to his great rival Novak Djokovic, who clinched his 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open. The 36-year-old sealed another historic Grand Slam title and his third at Roland-Garros on Sunday as he defeated fourth seed Casper Ruud in straight sets, 7-6(1) 6-3 7-5, to move ahead of Nadal and his 22 majors.