One of the best things about the Big Three era was that following the sport was very personal: you could either be on Roger Federer's side, chanting Vamos with Rafael Nadal, or conquering the world as a member of Novak Djokovic's #NoleFam. There was no room for ambivalence. You experienced every moment with them, which made their successes seem like your own.

The Big Three's amazing 66-Grand Slam streak is widely believed to have started after Federer's 2003 Wimbledon victory and lasted until Djokovic's surprising US Open departure in 2024. Throughout the two decades of dominance, the players and their fan base became an integral part of the sport.

The supporters were overcome with a sense of sadness and concern as the period comes to an end (Djokovic is still around, but quickly disappearing): Will they ever be able to experience tennis in the same way again?

However, those concerns may have vanished after seeing Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner engage in a legendary five-hour, twenty-nine-minute battle in the French Open final. Once more, you are faced with a choice: would you rather join Alcaraz on his emotional rollercoaster or would you rather see Sinner's serene demeanor?

"In my opinion, each rivalry is unique." They used to play tennis a bit differently in those days. The ball is moving quickly right now. It involves a lot of movement. From my perspective, it's a bit different, but you can't compare. I was fortunate enough to play against Rafa and Novak. Sadly, I never competed in a Grand Slam competition, Roger. In the post-final press conference, Sinner stated that "It takes a lot to beat these guys."

He said, "I feel the same way with Carlos and some other players." I believe that it is beneficial for the entire tennis community and the spectators that we can play tennis in this style as well. Today the mood was fantastic, and it's also really unique to be a part of it. I'm happy to be a part of this, naturally.

And what does "this" mean? They are the world. The top two players in the world are world number two, Alcaraz, and world number one, Sinner. They have won seven of the previous eight Grand Slams. They perform well on a variety of surfaces. They are young, and their performance improves with each game. Additionally, their style of play is bringing in new followers to the game.

However, the most important factor is the caliber of their performance. The shot quality, consistency, and tenacity are all top notch. Following the Sunday final, American legend John McEnroe told TNT Sports, "You took a look at them bringing their A-game right now - I'm saying Sinner and Alcaraz against Nadal on clay - you would make a serious argument with both guys that they would be favored to beat Nadal, at his best."

"Do I believe they will have 20, 24 titles, or any of them? No. The game has more depth, stronger hitters, and more events, which leads me to believe that plateau is nearly impossible.

However, these two people are just like when you watch the NBA and you think Michael Jordan is the greatest player ever. The current standard of tennis is the highest I have ever witnessed.

The fighting spirit that Alcaraz and Sinner demonstrate is what raises that bar. They are not prone to hyperbole, as some may claim that McEnroe is, but they are genuine.

"You have to fight and keep fighting when the circumstances are against you. It is a Grand Slam championship. There's no time to be weary. Now is not the moment to give up. With a chuckle in his post-match press conference, Alcaraz, who saved three championship points in the fourth set, said, "It's time to keep fighting, trying to find your moment, your good place again, and just go for it."

"In my opinion, the actual champions are created when you handle that pressure, those circumstances, in the best way you can." Real champions have done that throughout their careers. I'm simply attempting to be at ease under duress and not let it get to me.

The 22-year-old Spaniard now leads the head-to-head 8-4 after winning their previous five encounters, and Sinner needs to figure out how to get past him, as he has almost beaten everyone else on the ATP circuit. The Italian will have to figure out how to raise his game even higher if this is to genuinely become their era. This rivalry might break or make him.

"Honestly, every match that I'm playing against him is important," the Spaniard said in response to a question about his competition with Sinner. "This is the first match in a Grand Slam final." I hope it's not the last time. As I've stated repeatedly, we elevate our standard to the highest point each time we meet.

"I think our matches are important for the people and for the fans as well. You have to defeat the top tennis players in the world if you want to win Grand Slams. Facing them in the end is far better.

The battle lines have now been established, and we are anticipating the wonders that the new age of Alcaraz and Sinner will bring.

Read Also: Arjun Erigaisi Surpasses D Gukesh to Claim India’s Top Spot in FIDE Chess Rankings

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