Playing perfectly' - how does Alcaraz rank v men's tennis legends at 22?

One of the most exciting young players on the men's tennis circuit, Carlos Alcaraz, has been compared to legends like Sampras, Federer, Nadal, and Borg. At just 22 years old, Alcaraz already has a Grand Slam singles title under his belt. But how does he stack up against other men's tennis legends?

A champion in the making?

Many tennis fans and experts have likened Alcaraz to the great Pete Sampras, thanks to his powerful serve and aggressive playing style. Others see shades of Federer's effortless elegance and sublime shot-making. Meanwhile, others compare him to Rafael Nadal, a legend in his own right, due to his tenacity and competitive drive. Even the great Bjorn Borg's ice-cool demeanor and astonishing retrieving skills have been attributed to Spain's newest tennis sensation.

The stats

Alcaraz's breakthrough really started in 2022. That year he reached the quarter-finals of the French Open, becoming the youngest man to reach this stage since 2006. He then won the US Open in 2023, becoming the youngest man to win a Grand Slam title since Rafael Nadal won the 2005 Miami Open. With a record-breaking 12 ATP Tour titles to his name by April 2023, Alcaraz is well on his way to becoming a tennis legend himself.

So how does he rank?

It's really too early to tell. Yes, he has a Grand Slam title and is the youngest player to achieve such success in over a decade. But when you measure him against the most significant names in tennis, names like Federer, Nadal, Sampras, and Borg, it's clear that while Alcaraz is playing perfectly, he still has plenty of time to evolve and write his own story.