Tennis' 'Big 3' era wanes as Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner rivalry electrifies Wimbledon

On Sunday, the world witnessed the crowning of a new Wimbledon Champion. The No 1 seed Jannik Sinner finally broke the hoodoo against arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz to claim the Grand Slam prize in front of an electrified Centre Court crowd. With the win, Sinner has etched his name in the history books as the first Italian man to lift the coveted trophy.

The 23-year-old amassed a masterclass filled with precision, power, and poise after losing the first set 4-6, and attained game, set and match after reversing the scoreline of the first set in the following three sets. While the clash between the two gladiators did not prove to be a classic like their showdown in the French Open final just last month, it was still a pulsating encounter nonetheless.

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From Big 3 to Big 2

The Wimbledon 2025 final has fulfilled the desire that tennis fanatics all over the world have been longing for for quite some time. As the sun set on the ‘Big 3’, the sport needed new poster boys and a rivalry that could keep the existing fans hooked as well as attract new ones with something to look forward to.

If one takes a look at the thick history of the sport, it will not be difficult to analyse that tennis has always fed on the rivalries. From Boris Becker vs Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras vs Andre Agassi to the one that evolved the game, Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal, there have always emerged young generational rivals, who have taken over the helm from the outgoing legends.

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It took time for the current generation to put forward two individuals who can end the never-ending dominance of the ‘Big 3’, especially of Novak Djokovic, but the sport has finally entered a new dawn with Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner.

It's just what these two do.#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/4tpZdhOjuO

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2025

Both Alcaraz and Sinner have captured the majority of the Grand Slam titles over the past two to three years. The Spaniard has won five whereas the Italian has bagged four. This is only a sign of things that are about to come.

It is safe to state that the sport has moved from ‘Big 3’ to ‘Big 2’. However, it is only a conjecture, more competitors may break out and will be welcomed.

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No Sign of Big 4 for the first time in 22 years

Wimbledon 2025 marks a historic shift as none of the ‘Big 4’ feature in the final for the first time in 22 years. Since 2003, at least one of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Djokovic, or Andy Murray has always made it to the final, but the 2025 edition saw a different picture. Notably, Djokovic is the only member of the ‘Big 4’ still active and capable of reaching the final, as the others have retired. The Serbian was in contention till the semi-final but Sinner ended his blistering run with a thumping performance.

While Djokovic is expected to continue his remarkable run until he claims his 25th major, the sport’s future is already shining bright. The emerging rivalry between 22-year-old Alcaraz and 23-year-old Sinner is set to electrify the circuit, with fans eagerly anticipating their thrilling encounters and potential classics. As these two young stars trade championships, they’ll likely redefine the sport’s landscape and give enthusiasts something new to cheer about.