Like the rest of the tennis world Rafael Nadal is thoroughly enjoying watching the burgeoning rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Many wondered which players would take the ATP Tour by the scruff of the neck and make it their own following the end of ‘Big 3’ era with Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

At the moment, that appears to be Alcaraz and Sinner, who split 2024’s Grand Slams between them and they won a combined six majors overall.

They have contested some thrilling matches so far, including their most recent encounter in the China Open final.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have firmly established themselves as the two players leading the next era of men’s tennis after the ‘Big 3.’

The pair occupy the top two spots in the ATP rankings and have already played one another on 10 occasions.

Fans are enjoying their matches against one another, and Nadal had high praise for the pair, who he played a combined total of six times and emerged victorious on five occasions.

“They are doing great. They are very young and already are achieving amazing things, winning Grand Slams and Masters 1000. Creating great numbers,” Nadal told DAZN Sport.

“Carlos, Jannik – especially these two guys, they are making special things. I wish them all the very best to keep growing.

“They are already huge stars and I’m sure if they are able to stay free of injuries they will build an amazing career.”

Comparisons have already begun between what Alcaraz and Sinner are producing compared to the ‘Big 3’ matchups.

Former player Mats Wilander even suggested that the Spaniard and Italian’s level is higher than anything Nadal, Federer and Djokovic produced against one another in their respective rivalries.

But Nadal does not want to make any comparisons just yet and just wants to enjoy what Sinner and Alcaraz are producing.

“We need to wait, but this year already two Grand Slams against each other. Number one and two in the world. They are creating their own story,” the 22-time Grand Slam winner added.

“I think it’s not the moment to compare eras, because Novak is still there, Roger and myself, we have left and are going to leave soon, but that’s part of the sports career of everyone.

“Now it’s that new generation coming, we need to let them create their own rivalries and stories. They don’t need comparisons with us. At the end of their careers it will be the moment to compare what they have done with us.”