As Wimbledon Approaches, Sinner and Alcaraz Solidify New Era

Men’s tennis has been searching for a worthy replacement to the Big Three of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. It took two decades—and two retirements—but it appears as though the new era has begun with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

From Wimbledon in 2003 to the US Open in 2023, the Big Three won 66 of a possible 81 Grand Slam titles. The longest consecutive streak when at least one didn’t claim a Grand Slam was just two—between Wimbledon and the US Open in 2016. Nadal missed Wimbledon and Federer missed the US Open that year due to injury.

Federer retired in 2022 and Nadal retired in November, while the 38-year-old Djokovic is still chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title. But Sinner and Alcaraz, the current Nos. 1 and 2 in the world, respectively, have won the last six Grand Slam tournaments dating back to the Australian Open that opened the 2024 major calendar. 

Entering Wimbledon on Monday, Alcaraz (+145) and Sinner (+175) are the prohibitive favorites following a record-long, five-set showcase at the French Open final less than a month ago. 

The 22-year-old Alcaraz also has the opportunity to win his third consecutive Wimbledon, a feat last achieved by Djokovic, who won four straight times from 2018 to 2022 (2020 was canceled due to COVID-19), and Federer, who won five consecutive times from 2003 to 2007.

Earnings Show Longevity Matters

Alcaraz and Sinner will also be competing for Wimbledon’s record first prize of $4.1 million (£3 million), five times as much as the prize in 2003 when Federer first broke through at the All England Lawn Tennis Club. Even adjusted for inflation, this year’s first prize is still worth about three times as much as Federer’s 2003 winnings.

It’s no surprise that Sinner and Alcaraz, despite both being under 24 years old, are already in the top 10 in career earnings. Alcaraz is No. 7 all-time with $45.3 million and Sinner is No. 9 with $41.5 million.

However, both are still a ways from matching Djokovic, who leads all tennis players with $187.9 million. Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer are the three highest earners, each with at least twice as much as fourth-place Andy Murray. 

The earnings gap shows that while Alcaraz and Sinner are bridging a new era, they’ll also need sustained dominance to truly match the Big Three.