Dominic Thiem has weighed in on the current generation of tennis titans, suggesting that today’s rising stars, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, pose just as formidable a challenge as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer did during the dominance of the Big Three era.
Sinner and Alcaraz, now holding the No. 1 and No. 3 spots in the ATP Rankings, have become the modern flagbearers of Grand Slam success, collectively capturing the last five major titles. Alcaraz, only 21, has already clinched three Grand Slams, including back-to-back Wimbledon crowns in 2023 and 2024, as well as the 2022 US Open. Sinner, just two years older, lifted his first Slam at the 2024 Australian Open, repeated the feat in Melbourne this January, and had previously triumphed at the 2023 US Open.
While the young duo are carving out a new chapter in tennis history, they remain the only players of their generation to reach Grand Slam glory. The next youngest major champion is 29-year-old Daniil Medvedev, underlining the gulf between the current elite and the rest of the field.
The golden generation of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer, of course, set an impossibly high benchmark—between them amassing a staggering 66 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic sits at the pinnacle with 24, followed closely by Nadal (22) and Federer (20), who have since stepped away from the sport.
Reflecting on the evolving landscape of men’s tennis, Thiem spoke to Tennis Magazin about the tough road players face today when chasing Grand Slam dreams. He was asked specifically about Alexander Zverev’s chances of breaking through.
“I hope Sascha wins a Grand Slam. I think his career is far too good without one,” said the Austrian, who captured his own major at the 2020 US Open and once ranked as high as No. 3 in the world.
“But even if he doesn’t make it, it’s still absolutely sensational. If he wins a Grand Slam, he’ll pretty much automatically become number one because he’s playing so consistently and so well.”
Thiem noted that many believed the departure of the Big Three would clear the path to glory, making the tour more open. Yet, the reality has been anything but. “Everyone said that when the Big Three or the Big Four are gone, it will be easier because no one will come up. Now we have Sinner and Alcaraz. If they’re not injured or out for some other reason, you usually have to beat one or even both of them, and that’s really hard.”
“I think Sinner and Alcaraz are probably just as hard to beat today as Federer or Djokovic were back then.”
The Austrian also gave a nod to other contenders who can light up a tournament, highlighting the depth of talent on the tour. “And there are some other really good players like Taylor Fritz when he’s playing at a really high level, like at the US Open. Winning a Grand Slam isn’t any easier than it was five or ten years ago.”
Thiem, who officially stepped away from the professional circuit in October of last year, expressed a sense of peace with his decision to retire at 31. Though the ATP record books show his pro career stretching from 2011 to 2024, Thiem sees his journey in the sport as starting much earlier.
“Yes, definitely. On paper it says I had a career from 2011 to 2024, but that’s not true,” he clarified.
“Your career starts when you’re eleven or twelve. Then you start to base your whole life around the sport. Before you even start playing professionally, eight or nine years have already passed, and they’re very exhausting.”
“You have to put all your energy into it every day, train for hours. For me, that’s just as much a part of a career as the years when you’re famous and playing on the real tour.”
Thiem’s words reflected not just closure, but deep gratitude for the grind and growth the sport brought him. “That’s why, at 31, I’ve probably had 20 years and achieved more than I ever expected. So, for me, it’s a very complete story.”
From rising prodigy to Grand Slam champion and now retired veteran, Thiem’s tennis odyssey may have reached its finish line, but his perspective continues to offer insight into a sport constantly evolving—and never short of new legends in the making.