'Big 3'Dictatorship is finally over! For the first time since 2003, a Grand Slam without "Joe, Na, Pe" has been realized

Jul 15, 2024

'Big 3'Dictatorship is finally over! For the first time since 2003, a Grand Slam without 'Joe, Na, Pe' has been realized
ReutersYonhap News
'Big 3'Dictatorship is finally over! For the first time since 2003, a Grand Slam without 'Joe, Na, Pe' has been realized
AP연합뉴스
'Big 3'Dictatorship is finally over! For the first time since 2003, a Grand Slam without 'Joe, Na, Pe' has been realized
ReutersYonhap News
The era of tennis Big 3 is finally over. Spain's Holy Carlos Alcaras (21, world No. 3) has won his second consecutive Wimbledon title. It is the second consecutive Grand Slam championship after Roland Garros in May. It is the fourth Grand Slam victory in his career. The iron fortifications of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who have dominated world tennis over the past two decades, have begun to crumble.

Alcaras defeated world No. 2 Djokovic with a set score of 3-0 (6-2, 6-2, 7-6<7-4>) in the men's singles final at the Wimbledon tennis tournament held at All England Club in London on the 15th (Korea time). Djokovic said "Alcaras was perfect today. His victory was natural," he said, admitting defeat. The official Wimbledon website reads 'Alcaras has never lost a Grand Slam final. The king is dead. May you live a long life and prosperity?' he said, marking a new era.

Three of the four Grand Slams have been held this season, and there is no name for the big three yet. Yannick Sinner (world No. 1) took the Australian Open. Roland Garros and Wimbledon are Alcaras Charges. Only the U.S. Open is left in September. Federer is retired and Nadal is past his prime. If Djokovic fails to win the U.S. Open, the big three will disappear from the list of Grand Slam winners for the first time in 22 years. It is the first time in 24 years that a player other than Djokovic Nadal Federer has won two Grand Slams in a row (Andre Agassi 1999 U.S. Open to 2000 Australian Open).

Alcaras won his first career Grand Slam title at the top of the 2022 U.S. Open. She also beat Djokovic in the Wimbledon final last year. Last year, Djokovic won the Australian Open's Roland Garros U.S. Open, but failed to monopolize the season's Grand Slam due to Alcaras' loss. Alcaras and Djokovic's opponents are three to three.

The British press 'Guardian' is only a matter of time before Alcaras ascends to the legendary position. He made a page in history in the same year since the Open era, becoming the sixth player ever to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Djokovic said "Alcaras was better than me in every way. In every way, movement, swing, and service. I knew what I had to modify but I couldn't change the course of the game. Alcaras was at least half a step ahead of me from the start," he said with his tongue.

'Big 3'Dictatorship is finally over! For the first time since 2003, a Grand Slam without 'Joe, Na, Pe' has been realized
AP연합뉴스
'Big 3'Dictatorship is finally over! For the first time since 2003, a Grand Slam without 'Joe, Na, Pe' has been realized
ReutersYonhap News
'Big 3'Dictatorship is finally over! For the first time since 2003, a Grand Slam without 'Joe, Na, Pe' has been realized
ReutersYonhap News
Alcaras received high praise from Djokovic but was humble. Alcaras said "I don't think I'm a champion. I will continue to strive to build my journey.' Alcaras said "I always play every game, nervous that I can lose. Every game is a war. The opponent does his best to beat me. I always try to get better and play better tennis."

Alcaras was confident because he faced Djokovic. Alcaras said "Last year's final was a really difficult game. He really put me in trouble. But I know how it feels to play Djokovic. I knew what I needed to do. I was ready to do it well"I looked back.

As a result, men's tennis at the Paris Olympics is expected to spark even more. With Alcaras emerging as a strong favorite, Djokovic and a rematch are drawing attention. The Paris Olympics happen to be held in the same place as Roland Garros, which Alcaras won. Djokovic has no connection to the Olympics. Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slam titles, has a bronze medal (the 2008 Beijing Olympics).





dhhan@sportschosun.com