"Carlos at a similar level to Nadal at the same age," Thiem's former coach analyzes the evolution of Sinner and Alcaraz

Arthur Millot

le 01/08/2025 à 14h45

1 min to read

Alcaraz Djokovic Federer Nadal Sinner

Former professional player (world No. 9 at his peak), Nicolás Massú has also excelled as a coach, guiding Dominic Thiem on the tour from 2019 to 2023. Under his mentorship, the Austrian reached four Grand Slam finals, winning one (US Open 2020).

Interviewed and reported by Tennis Up To Date, the 45-year-old compared the development of the new generation (Alcaraz and Sinner) with the old guard, namely the Big 3.

"I remember Nadal’s arrival on the tour. I think Alcaraz is at the same level as him at the same age. On the other hand, Sinner is more in the mold of Federer and Djokovic. They won their first Grand Slam a bit later and started maturing around 21 or 22. Alcaraz and Nadal were already very strong at a young age, at 18 or 19. Ultimately, the important thing is that tennis is in very good hands."

Indeed, the native of El Palmar won his first Grand Slam at 19 (US Open, 2022), just like his compatriot "Rafa" (Roland-Garros, 2005). Meanwhile, Sinner triumphed at the Australian Open last year, securing his first Major trophy at 22.