Why Spanish teenager and former French Open winner are tennis’ new generational talents

For far too long, tennis fans have eagerly waited for the new generation to take the game by storm. Now, at long last, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek are doing just that.

In the men’s game, the sport has been dominated by three players: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. 

Indeed, the ‘Big Three’ as they are collectively known, have won 61 of the last 73 Grand Slams. Federer is 40 years old, Nadal is 35, and Djokovic is 34. Yet, all three are continuing to school the new boys, who are seeking to alter the script. 

Equally, in women’s tennis, Serena Williams was near unstoppable for the first half of the last decade. But aside from Williams, no female player has truly been able to stand tall above the rest. 

Angelique Kerber, Petra Kvitova and Victoria Azarenka have all made a name for themselves, without hitting the heights of Williams. And just as Ash Barty looked set to win everything in sight, the Australian retired suddenly. 

Yet, Barty’s successor at the top of the rankings, Swiatek, is far more than just a replacement number one. In fact, she could well cement her place as the best player in the world for years to come. 

"Right now you are the best player in the world." @AlexZverev with high praise for @alcarazcarlos03 in Madrid. #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/JtRbwAlcYZ

Similarly, Alcaraz’s recent performances suggest that perhaps he is finally the man to topple the ‘Big Three.’ 

Here’s a look at both players and their stellar starts to the season: 

The recent success of Swiatek is hardly surprising and her talent has been known for some time. 

In much the same way as Emma Raducanu in New York, the Pole stormed to victory at the French Open in 2020 –– winning all seven of her matches without dropping a set.