Alcaraz, Sinner would benefit from new Big Three, McEnroe says

John McEnroe says that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have already formed a thrilling new rivalry—but both would significantly benefit from the emergence of a third star to truly shape the next “Big Three.”.

McEnroe: Alcaraz‑Sinner Rivalry Elevated by Potential Third Rival

• Epic French Open clash: Alcaraz edged out Sinner in a sensational, five-hour, 29-minute marathon at Roland Garros—the longest final in tournament history—cementing their status as this generation’s leading players.
• Split dominance: Between them, they’ve captured the past six Grand Slam titles and head into Wimbledon with momentum—Alcaraz chasing his third straight Wimbledon crown.
• McEnroe’s take: “The emergence of a third young star… would push the duo’s already scintillating rivalry to new heights,” said the seven-time major champion, comparing it to when Djokovic broke into the Federer‑Nadal dynamic .

Candidates to Join the Fray

McEnroe highlighted several rising talents who could break through:

1. Jakub Mensik (19) – Miami Open champion.
2. João Fonseca (18) – Brazilian with an emerging all-court game.
3. Ben Shelton – Big-serving American ready to make an impact at the highest level.

He noted that adding just one more elite competitor would enrich men’s tennis by intensifying rivalries and creating a deeper power trio once again.

The Evolution of Tennis Post–Big Three

• Historic parallel: Djokovic joined Federer and Nadal to form one of the sport’s most storied eras. McEnroe wonders if a similar triangle could define a new chapter.
• Changing game: He praised the pace and athleticism of today’s tennis as exceeding even the “Big Three” era, calling it “faster and different”.
• Bright outlook: McEnroe is “optimistic about the future,” anticipating even more dramatic rivalries in five to ten years.

Why This Matters for Alcaraz & Sinner

• Forces them to raise their game: With two dominating, a third elite rival could push Alcaraz and Sinner to sharpen every aspect—technical, tactical, mental.
• More storytelling and audience excitement: A trio-shaped rivalry offers compelling narratives—new matchups, varied clashing styles, and broader fan engagement.
• Longevity and legacy: Competing against multiple top-tier players helps define greatness through sustained excellence and adaptability.

What’s Next

• Watchful eyes on the new wave: Keep an eye on Mensik, Fonseca, Shelton—and others like Holger Rune who’ve also been mentioned—as potential disruptors.
• Wimbledon showdown: Alcaraz and Sinner are the favorites, but a new contender could shift the dynamics entirely.
• Future-proofing men’s tennis: If a third elite player breaks through soon, the era could be crowned with a fresh “Big Three” narrative.

McEnroe sees a golden future—a rivalry of Alcaraz and Sinner that’s already electric, but one that could glow even brighter with the rise of another elite competitor. The question remains: who will emerge as the third star to complete tennis’s next iconic trio