Carlos Alcaraz Is a ‘Combination of Djokovic

As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 Laver Cup, one of the sport’s all-time greats, Andre Agassi, has delivered high praise for Carlos Alcaraz, calling him a once-in-a-generation talent who embodies the best qualities of the Big Three  Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.

The eight-time Grand Slam champion spoke during a promotional event for the tournament, where he was asked about the state of men’s tennis in the post-Federer and soon-to-be post-Djokovic era. Agassi was quick to single out Alcaraz as the player carrying the sport forward, blending attributes rarely seen together in one athlete.

> “When I watch Carlos, it feels like tennis has funneled its greatest traits into him,” Agassi said. “From Djokovic, he has that unbelievable defense, flexibility, and ability to reset points under pressure. From Federer, there’s the artistry — the elegance in how he strikes the ball, his creativity with angles, his willingness to take risks. And from Nadal, you can see the fire, the relentless intensity, the way he fights for every single point as if it’s match point at a Slam. It’s a remarkable combination.”

A New Standard in Men’s Tennis

Agassi, who knows firsthand what it means to dominate across surfaces, highlighted Alcaraz’s adaptability as one of his greatest assets. The Spaniard already owns major titles on grass, clay, and hard courts, and has proven capable of defeating the very best on the sport’s biggest stages.

“He’s only 22 years old, but he’s already proven he can win anywhere,” Agassi noted. “That puts him in a rare category. Most players take years to figure out one surface — Carlos is winning on all three. That’s Federer-like. That’s Nadal-like. That’s Djokovic-like. And yet, he’s doing it with his own identity, his own stamp on the game.”

Agassi also emphasized the mental aspect of Alcaraz’s rise. “What separates the greats isn’t just talent. It’s the ability to respond when the pressure is at its highest. Carlos thrives in those moments. It’s something you don’t teach  it’s who he is.”

Building Toward the Laver Cup

The Laver Cup, established in 2017, has grown into one of tennis’s premier events, pitting Team Europe against Team World in a Ryder Cup-style competition. This year’s edition carries extra intrigue, with Alcaraz set to lead Team Europe as the centerpiece of a new generation.

With Federer retired, Nadal in the twilight of his career, and Djokovic gradually scaling back his schedule, Alcaraz is expected to take on the mantle as the face of the team. His participation is being billed as one of the highlights of the event, as fans get to see him not only compete in singles but also potentially partner in doubles with rising stars like Jannik Sinner or Holger Rune.

“Events like the Laver Cup showcase more than tennis,” Agassi said. “They showcase leadership, teamwork, and passion. For someone like Carlos, who thrives on energy and thrives on competing, this stage is perfect. He’s not just playing for himself  he’s playing for his team, his region, and the fans. That makes it special.”

Agassi’s Seal of Approval

For Agassi, whose career spanned generations and who faced legends from Pete Sampras to Roger Federer, offering such high praise is no small gesture. His comments underscore the widespread belief that Alcaraz is not only a rising star but also the heir to tennis’s most iconic champions.

“What excites me most,” Agassi added, “is that Carlos isn’t the finished product yet. He’s still improving, still learning, still adding dimensions to his game. If he’s already this good at 22, just imagine where he’ll be in five years. For tennis, that’s a gift. For his opponents, it’s a nightmare.”

As the countdown to the 2025 Laver Cup continues, the spotlight will shine brightly on Carlos Alcaraz. With the endorsement of a legend like Andre Agassi and the expectations of millions of fans worldwide, the young Spaniard is poised not just to play, but to inspire  carrying forward the torch once held by Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, and perhaps even raising it higher.