Mats Wilander discusses Alcaraz's impact on younger players' Grand Slam belief: “Years ago it was impossible for players like Cilic or Dimitrov”:

Mats Wilander spoke about Carlos Alcaraz’s influence in encouraging young players to believe they can win a Grand Slam. The Big-3 era left many great players unable to claim a major title, with Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic amassing an incredible total of 66 majors.

The dominance of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic meant that many talented players were unable to secure a major title or could have increased their tally if not for the Big-3.

In a recent interview with Eurosport, the 7-time Grand Slam champion reflected on Jannik Sinner's recent Australian Open triumph, his third major title. Combined with Alcaraz’s four, the two players have achieved seven majors, while players born in the 1990s managed only two titles: Dominic Thiem (US Open 2020) and Daniil Medvedev (US Open 2021).

Read also

"It was never in doubt": McEnroe, Wilander, and Henmann discuss Jannik Sinner's triumph over Alexander Zverev in Australia

The Swedish tennis legend cited Marin Cilic (2014 US Open champion) and Grigor Dimitrov (3-time semifinalist) as examples of players who could have gone further without the Big-3. However, Wilander believes Alcaraz’s early successes inspire new players to see Grand Slam victories as increasingly achievable, something unimaginable for most players outside the Big-3 a decade ago.

“Alcaraz started something by winning when he was so young. Now there is a belief. It was impossible for players like Marin Cilic, Grigor Dimitrov, and others to break through because Roger [Federer], Rafa [Nadal], and Novak were too strong,” Wilander said.

Read also

"Sinner and Alcaraz are so far ahead" – Pat Cash states two-horse race for Grand Slam titles

“Once Carlos did it, you get the impression that they are better and stronger physically,” Wilander added. “We thought it was a question of physique, but it turns out that maybe it is not a question of physique – was it a question of mentality? Now it turns out that is what it was. They did not believe it, but now they believe it, and that is very good for our game.”

Alcaraz won his first major title at the US Open in 2022 at just 19 years old, becoming the youngest World No. 1 in Open Era history. The Spaniard now has four major trophies and only needs an Australian Open title to complete the Career Grand Slam.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe