Former World No. 7 snubs Novak Djokovic when naming the ‘biggest stars’ in sports

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have dominated the ‘greatest of all time’ debate in tennis, particularly men’s tennis, in the past few years. The Serbian in particular has come ahead when it comes to numbers. However, to French star Richard Gasquet, it appears he isn’t in the same position with the Swiss and the Spaniard.

In a conversation with fellow tennis players, Adrian Mannarino and David Goffin for UST Tour, Gasquet named Federer and Nadal as the ‘biggest stars’ in sports, without mentioning Djokovic, while speaking on the potential of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz to become the next biggest names in tennis.

“Alcaraz has something, but his aura isn’t yet at Federer’s level. Federer was a superstar,” he said. “It takes time. And those two are among the biggest sports star ever, Federer and Nadal. Over the last 20 years, out of ten guys, you can mention them with Messi, Ronaldo, a few basketball players, Usain Bolt, but then there’s Nadal and Federer,” the former US Open semifinalist insisted.

“Will we one day say Alcaraz and Sinner? Certainly, but it will take time. Tennis isn’t enough; there’s what you do outside of it, who you are, what you give off, the game, the technique… Federer, he had everything,” he concluded.

Federer and Nadal had one of the strongest rivalries in the late 2000s, until Djokovic joined them in the 2010s. After more than a decade of incredible battles, the Serbian came ahead in the Grand Slam race, winning 24 titles, as well as dominating in other stats, such as Masters 1000 titles and weeks as No. 1 (428).

Will Alcaraz and Sinner have the next great rivalry?

Without the Big Three, Alcaraz and Sinner have emerged as the strongest contenders to dominate tennis in the upcoming years. The Spaniard, at only 21 years old, has already won five major titles, including two Wimbledons, one US Open and one French Open.

Meanwhile, Sinner, who is currently serving a three-month suspension after his doping controversy, has won three: two Australian Opens and one US Open. The Italian is currently the World No. 1, and he is secured in the spot until his return in May.