1<!DOCTYPE html><html lang="en"><head><meta charSet="utf-8"/><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width"/>
1<script class="jsx-4059588894">var getCookie = (cName) => { 2 const name = cName + '=' 3 const cDecoded = decodeURIComponent(document.cookie); 4 const cArr = cDecoded.split('; ') 5 let res 6 cArr.forEach(val => { 7 if (val.indexOf(name) === 0) res = val.substring(name.length); 8 }) 9 return res 10 }</script>
10<script class="jsx-4059588894"> 11 window.requestIdleCallback = window.requestIdleCallback || ((f) => { f() }) 12 window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; 13 function gtag() { window.dataLayer.push(arguments); } 14 </script>
14<link rel="alternate" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/" hrefLang="en-us"/><meta property="og:category" content="tennis"/>
14<script>(function(){var dbpr=100;if(Math.random()*100>100-dbpr){var d="dbbRum",w=window,o=document,a=addEventListener,scr=o.createElement("script");scr.async=!0;w[d]=w[d]||[];w[d].push(["presampling",dbpr]);["error","unhandledrejection"].forEach(function(t){a(t,function(e){w[d].push([t,e])});});scr.src="https://cdn.debugbear.com/23xJQDTjqdTG.js";o.head.appendChild(scr);}})()</script>
14<title>The Search for the Third Man in Tennisâ New Big 3 - EssentiallySports</title><meta name="description" content="While the game is constantly growing with young talent, the question about who will be the third person in Big 3 of modern tennis remains."/><meta name="robots" content="index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1"/><link rel="canonical" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/"/><meta property="og:locale" content="en_US"/><meta property="og:type" content="article"/><meta property="og:title" content="The Search for the Third Man in Tennisâ New Big 3"/><meta property="og:description" content="While the game is constantly growing with young talent, the question about who will be the third person in Big 3 of modern tennis remains."/><meta property="og:url" content="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/"/><meta property="og:site_name" content="EssentiallySports"/><meta property="article:publisher" content="https://www.facebook.com/essentiallysports"/><meta property="article:published_time" content="2026-09-24T08:02:15+00:00"/><meta property="article:modified_time" content="2026-09-24T08:02:17+00:00"/><meta property="og:image:width" content="1200"/><meta property="og:image:height" content="675"/><meta property="og:image:type" content="image/png"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jannik-Sinner-Carlos-Alcaraz-1-1200x675.png"/><meta property="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/><meta property="twitter:creator" content="@SoumyaBontra"/><meta property="twitter:site" content="@es_sportsnews"/>
14<script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/"},"author":{"name":"Soumya Bontra","@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/#/schema/person/92a07f4d170be1e90c3e344df5175997"},"headline":"The Search for the Third Man in Tennisâ New Big 3","datePublished":"2026-09-24T08:02:15+00:00","dateModified":"2026-09-24T08:02:17+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/"},"wordCount":1100,"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/#organization"},"keywords":["Arthur Fils","atp","Ben Shelton","Big 3","Carlos Alacaraz","Flavio Cobolli","Jakub Mensik","Jannik Sinner","Joao Fonseca","Learner Tien","Tennis"],"articleSection":["ATP","Tennis","Tennis"],"inLanguage":"en-US","copyrightYear":"2026","copyrightHolder":{"@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/#organization"},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/#primaryimage","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jannik-Sinner-Carlos-Alcaraz-1.png","contentUrl":"https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jannik-Sinner-Carlos-Alcaraz-1.png","width":"1920px","height":"1080px"},"articleBody":" Currently, Menâs tennis is mainly dominated by two players, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Having shared dominance over Grand Slam titles and maintained top spots on the ATP Tour rankings, they have etched their name as two of the greats of tennis. However, when tennis fans try to draw parallels with the Big Three, who have dominated tennis for over two decades, commentators and spectators continue to look for the third player to join the coveted list. And most believe that for the current generation of players, that level is hard to match. WHAT IS NEEDED TO BECOME THE BIG THREE? The original members of the Big Three â Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic â did not achieve their status because they ranked at the top of the ATP list. Instead, they defined an entire era by maintaining a high level of dominance throughout. To be tagged as the modern Big Three, a player must meet a very strict standard of expertise that goes well beyond simply reaching deep in tournaments. A genuine contender needs to win Grand Slam titles in direct matches against the worldâs best players. At the same time maintain a constant presence in the later stages of ATP Masters 1000 events on all surfaces. Above all, against the top stars, players need to execute strong performances in high-pressure, five-set matches. To build such dominance, it is important to remain within the top five for consecutive seasons rather than brief periods of good form. All while fighting the physical and mental strain of staying at the top every season. This later results in worldwide recognition and promotes the international popularity of the sport, besides their own on-court achievements. When evaluating whether anyone currently compares with Sinner and Alcaraz, former world No. 9 Fabio Fognini made an honest statement. He said [https://en.tennistemple.com/actu/fogninis-verdict-on-alcaraz-sinner-rivalry-the/jD9A?utm_source=gemini], âThe famous third man to rival Alcaraz and Sinner? For now, he doesnât exist. The issue is that to compete with Jannik and Carlos, you need consistency in performances and results that no one else achieves: they can lose in a single tournament, but over an entire season, they are untouchable.â IS ZVEREV THE MOST OBVIOUS CHOICE? On-paper records suggest that Alexander Zverev has the best background of all the players currently in the competition. He has spent hundreds of weeks in the top five, won several Masters 1000 titles, and also won two ATP Finals. However, although he frequently finishes at the top of the draw, his Grand Slam record
14is a disadvantage. He has now won the US Open and Roland Garros titles, but in the absence of Sinner and Alcaraz. Zverev himself admitted that there is a technical gap between him and the top two players. âI still think Carlos and Jannik do things a lot better than me. I do believe that. I think there are certain things I can improve on. I serve better than both of them probably, but I am 6ft 6. Carlos canât just grow six more inches. But there are certain things that they do better that I can improve, and itâs not just something physical, like height,â he confessed. DOES BEN SHELTON HAVE POTENTIAL? Ben Shelton has powerful weapons and a charismatic personality that tennis enthusiasts expect to see in a world-class superstar. His strong left-handed serve, aggressive play, and natural ability to entertain the crowd make him a highly exciting figure on court. Shelton possesses the ability to beat anyone on any given day. But to become a member of that elite trio, he must show the necessary weekly consistency. He still faces difficulty in his return games and rallies against strong players. Although his potential shows he could reach several major semis, he needs greater consistency in tournaments on European clay and on slower surfaces. WHAT ABOUT THE NEXT WAVE? If the current generation cannot fill the vacancy, the answer may come from the tourâs rising prospects. Jakub Mensik: The tall Czech combines a powerful serve with surprisingly agile movement from the baseline. He has the modern baseline game needed to beat top-level defenders. Joao Fonseca: The Brazilian has electric ball-striking and a very powerful forehand. He showcases an extremely aggressive style similar to a young Alcaraz, although he needs to improve his physical stability if he is to cope with five-set Grand Slam matches. Arthur Fils: The consistent Frenchman has a high level of athleticism and is capable of taking powerful shots. Fils is one of the most promising youngsters, working on his decision-making skills and improving his shots under pressure. Flavio Cobolli: One of the most emerging names in the game, he has a strong competitive spirit and excellent court coverage. Although he is making the most of his athletic ability, currently he lacks the powerful serve that is necessary for him to beat the best players more often. Learner Tien: The American left-hander makes the most of his high tennis intelligence, precise placement, and ability for unexpected comebacks. However, in order to challenge players like Sinner, Tien will have to win more free points with his serving and stay consistent. DOES THE THIRD PLAYER NEED TO DEFEAT ALCARAZ AND SINNER OFTEN? A player doesnât need an undefeated record against Alcaraz and Sinner, but they must present an immediate and ongoing threat. Djokovic did not break the monopoly of Federer and Nadal by staying at number three. Instead, he broke it by defeating both of them in the major finals. If a player loses eight times out of every ten matches when facing the top two, the situation still amounts to a two-horse race with an intermittent spoiler. The third player needs to defeat both Alcaraz and Sinner in best-of-five matches at the Grand Slams to disrupt their dominance on the sportâs most important events. DOES THE BIG 3 TAG EXIST ANYMORE? The fact that they are looking for a third player shows how much tennis is obsessed with history. The period featuring Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic was a one-off situationâthree players from different generations between them winning more than 60 Grand Slams over a span of two decades. At the moment, menâs tennis has no Big Three, probably only a Big Two â Alcaraz and Sinner. They have raised the standard technically through their speed and aggressive yet composed game of tennis. As long as an ambitious rival does not match their standard of play, win Grand Slam titles, and regularly defeat them in the final matches, the position will remain with the two stars. ","description":"While the game is constantly growing with young talent, the question about who will be the third person in Big 3 of modern tennis remains.","editor":{"@type":"Person","name":"Aatreyi Sarkar","description":"Aatreyi Sarkar is a Tennis Editor at EssentiallySports. She has been a lifelong sports enthusiast and passionate tennis follower. Aatreyi brings a keen eye for detail and a curiosity about the stories that deserve to be told. She approaches every headline with careful analysis and delivers stories that resonate with the fans."}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Boxing","item":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/boxing/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Tennis","item":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/boxing/tennis-boxing/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"The Search for the Third Man in Tennisâ New Big 3"}]},{"@type":"NewsMediaOrganization","@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/#organization","name":"EssentiallySports","alternateName":"ES","url":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/","logo":"https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/essentiallysports-logo.png","description":"EssentiallySports is a U.S.-based sports media platform built for modern fandom. We go beyond headlines to create storylines powered by athletes, fans, data, and culture, giving equal energy to the mainstream and the overlooked.","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/essentiallysports","https://twitter.com/es_sportsnews/","https://www.youtube.com/@EssentiallySportsMedia","https://www.linkedin.com/company/essentially-sports","https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/essentiallysports","https://www.instagram.com/essentiallysportsmedia"],"publishingPrinciples":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/editorial-guidelines/","ownershipFundingInfo":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/ownership-and-funding-information/","correctionsPolicy":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/corrections-policy/","ethicsPolicy":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/ethics-policy/","diversityStaffingReport":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/editorial-team/","verificationFactCheckingPolicy":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/fact-checking-policy/","masthead":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/editorial-team/","contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"Editorial","email":"[email protected]","url":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/contact-us/"},"foundingDate":"2014","founder":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Harit Pathak","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/harit-pathak-128674141/"]},{"@type":"Person","name":"Suryansh Tibarewal","sameAs":["https://twitter.com/geeksuryansh","https://www.linkedin.com/in/suryanshtibarewal/","https://www.facebook.com/suryansh.tibarewal/","https://www.crunchbase.com/person/suryansh-tibarewal"]},{"@type":"Person","name":"Jaskirat Arora","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaskirat-arora-1507/"]}],"address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"16192, Coastal Highway","addressLocality":"Lewes","addressRegion":"Delaware","postalCode":"19958","addressCountry":"US"},"telephone":"+13476850407","legalName":"EssentiallySports Media Inc."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/#/schema/person/92a07f4d170be1e90c3e344df5175997","name":"Soumya Bontra","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/#/schema/person/image/","url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/181ad201ba553d8d9a719d185738138d88e05c2e89e1bd4817b391e9b504fc71?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/181ad201ba553d8d9a719d185738138d88e05c2e89e1bd4817b391e9b504fc71?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Soumya Bontra"},"description":"Soumya Bontra is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. She has been working as a sports journalist and writer for the past two years. Soumya has a Bachelorâs in Mass Media. She is a brown belt in Karate and has won a silver medal in the Maharashtra State Open Karate Championship in Kumite. She is an admirer of footballers Tobin Heath and Christen Press. During her free time, Soumya loves to wat
14ch Animé and is a die-hard fan of Naruto.","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumya-bontra-aa05aa16a/","https://twitter.com/@SoumyaBontra"],"url":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/author/soumya-bontra/"}]}</script>
14<script defer="" id="marfeel-loader"> 15 window.addEventListener('load', function() { 16 (function() { 17 "use strict"; 18 function loadScript(src, isModule = true) { 19 var s = document.createElement("script"); 20 s.src = src; 21 if (isModule) { 22 s.type = "module"; 23 } else { 24 s.async = false; 25 s.type = "text/javascript"; 26 s.setAttribute("nomodule", ""); 27 } 28 var firstScript = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; 29 firstScript.parentNode.insertBefore(s, firstScript); 30 } 31 32 (function(window, accountId) { 33 (function(t, c, config) { 34 config.accountId = c; 35 t.marfeel = t.marfeel || {}; 36 t.marfeel.cmd = t.marfeel.cmd || []; 37 t.marfeel.config = config; 38 var baseUrl = "https://sdk.mrf.io/statics"; 39 loadScript(baseUrl + "/marfeel-sdk.js?id=" + c, true); 40 loadScript(baseUrl + "/marfeel-sdk.es5.js?id=" + c, false); 41 })(window, "6486", {}); 42 })(window); 43 })(); 44 }); 45 </script>
45<meta name="next-head-count" content="29"/><link rel="icon" href="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/favicon-es.ico" type="image/x-icon" sizes="48x48"/><link rel="shortcut icon" href="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/favicon-es.ico" type="image/x-icon"/><link rel="preload" href="/_next/static/media/dc1a31dd116e0329-s.p.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin="anonymous" data-next-font="size-adjust"/><link rel="preload" href="/_next/static/media/637ca5de2fd720d5-s.p.otf" as="font" type="font/otf" crossorigin="anonymous" data-next-font="size-adjust"/><link rel="preload" href="/_next/static/css/e433c950cb21d7e9.css" as="style"/><link rel="stylesheet" href="/_next/static/css/e433c950cb21d7e9.css" data-n-g=""/><link rel="preload" href="/_next/static/css/ea7f32248df88ea8.css" as="style"/><link rel="stylesheet" href="/_next/static/css/ea7f32248df88ea8.css" data-n-p=""/><link rel="preload" href="/_next/static/css/c5b68b90df5620c7.css" as="style"/><link rel="stylesheet" href="/_next/static/css/c5b68b90df5620c7.css" data-n-p=""/><noscript data-n-css=""></noscript>
45<script defer="" nomodule="" src="/_next/static/chunks/polyfills-42372ed130431b0a.js"></script>
45<script src="/_next/static/chunks/webpack-aeaa9e9d0c388787.js" defer=""></script>
45<script src="/_next/static/chunks/framework-945b357d4a851f4b.js" defer=""></script>
45<script src="/_next/static/chunks/main-2947b42070779a22.js" defer=""></script>
45<script src="/_next/static/chunks/pages/_app-20f241c4cadc2391.js" defer=""></script>
45<script src="/_next/static/chunks/5103-e2d4039e5ac9ba5f.js" defer=""></script>
45<script src="/_next/static/chunks/9207-03b2c7e8035fb4c6.js" defer=""></script>
45<script src="/_next/static/chunks/7839-f7a86700f83ee614.js" defer=""></script>
45<script src="/_next/static/chunks/pages/%5Bslug%5D-4749629c6c24e58c.js" defer=""></script>
45<script src="/_next/static/W3zAYklNbL454B1VoNfLe/_buildManifest.js" defer=""></script>
45<script src="/_next/static/W3zAYklNbL454B1VoNfLe/_ssgManifest.js" defer=""></script>
45<style id="__jsx-4059588894">:root{--secondary-font:'__Roboto_Condensed_4148dd', '__Roboto_Condensed_Fallback_4148dd';--roboto-condensed:'__Roboto_Condensed_4148dd', '__Roboto_Condensed_Fallback_4148dd';--roboto:'__Roboto_Condensed_4148dd', '__Roboto_Condensed_Fallback_4148dd';--acumin-pro-condensed-black:'__Roboto_Condensed_4148dd', '__Roboto_Condensed_Fallback_4148dd'}</style></head><body><div id="__next"><!--$--><!--/$--><header data-ticker="false" class="header_container__7YKFY"><nav><div class="header_leftSection__5PYIP"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/"><svg class="es-logo_desktopLogo__j0Xut" width="258" height="31" viewBox="0 0 258 31" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M258 0H0V30.6864H258V0Z" fill="var(--primary-color)"></path><path d="M15.7625 16.9707H9.00991V22.2679H16.6542L16.0565 26.3923H3.98584V4.16309H16.0695V8.34165H9.00991V12.8135H15.7625V16.9707Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M22.7979 19.9588C22.9264 21.7846 23.4475 23.0408 24.9788 23.0408C26.4664 23.0408 26.9432 22.0427 26.9432 20.7791C26.9432 19.2408 26.1674 18.3361 23.5442 16.9962C19.6704 15.0026 18.2076 13.3199 18.2076 10.0531C18.2076 6.2504 20.5388 3.75684 24.9569 3.75684C30.1541 3.75684 31.6412 6.99371 31.6836 10.4072H26.7504C26.6651 8.85917 26.3812 7.52892 24.9257 7.52892C23.786 7.52892 23.2762 8.26576 23.2762 9.50608C23.2762 10.7793 23.7742 11.4359 26.1995 12.6442C30.3331 14.7189 32.0879 16.4733 32.0879 20.2107C32.0879 23.8852 29.9332 26.8132 24.9275 26.8132C19.5038 26.8132 17.8493 23.733 17.7405 19.9591H22.7976L22.7979 19.9588Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M38.5252 19.9588C38.6537 21.7846 39.1748 23.0408 40.7061 23.0408C42.1937 23.0408 42.6705 22.0427 42.6705 20.7791C42.6705 19.2408 41.8947 18.3361 39.2715 16.9962C35.3977 15.0026 33.9349 13.3199 33.9349 10.0531C33.9349 6.2504 36.2661 3.75684 40.6842 3.75684C45.8814 3.75684 47.3684 6.99371 47.4109 10.4072H42.4777C42.3924 8.85917 42.1085 7.52892 40.653 7.52892C39.5133 7.52892 39.0034 8.26576 39.0034 9.50608C39.0034 10.7793 39.5015 11.4359 41.9268 12.6442C46.0604 14.7189 47.8152 16.4733 47.8152 20.2107C47.8152 23.8852 45.6605 26.8132 40.6547 26.8132C35.2311 26.8132 33.5766 23.733 33.4678 19.9591H38.5249L38.5252 19.9588Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M61.6666 16.9707H54.914V22.2679H62.5583L61.9606 26.3923H49.8896V4.16309H61.9736V8.34165H54.914V12.8135H61.6666V16.9707Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M64.4897 26.3923V4.16309H70.0971C73.4875 14.6402 74.2749 17.1591 74.504 18.1742H74.5951C74.3739 15.3771 74.3043 11.7137 74.3043 8.24466V4.16309H78.8295V26.3926H73.3047C69.7824 14.8383 69.1208 12.5984 68.8701 11.6376H68.7675C68.9438 14.3122 69.037 18.4299 69.037 22.0662V26.3926H64.49L64.4897 26.3923Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M84.8904 8.34165H80.4927V4.16309H94.3789V8.34165H90.0041V26.3926H84.8904V8.34165Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M101.146 4.16309V26.3926H96.0215V4.16309H101.146Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M108.565 21.6345L107.806 26.3926H102.68L107.081 4.16309H114.283L118.738 26.3926H113.416L112.634 21.6345H108.565ZM111.955 17.3386C111.449 14.0953 110.96 10.4772 110.678 8.43365H110.51C110.292 10.5654 109.747 14.0935 109.22 17.3386H111.955Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M120.36 4.16309H125.485V22.2435H132.561L132.084 26.3926H120.36V4.16309Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M134.134 4.16309H139.259V22.2435H146.335L145.858 26.3926H134.134V4.16309Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M149.185 26.3926V19.1771C149.185 18.8558 149.153 18.5196 149.009 18.1542L143.777 4.16309H149.433C150.355 7.51723 151.382 11.3792 151.927 14.1106C152.544 11.5938 153.652 7.43346 154.477 4.16309H159.775L154.466 18.2083C154.388 18.4537 154.322 18.7053 154.322 19.0907V26.3926H149.185Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M165.334 19.9588C165.463 21.7846 165.984 23.0408 167.515 23.0408C169.003 23.0408 169.48 22.0427 169.48 20.7791C169.48 19.2408 168.704 18.3361 166.081 16.9962C162.207 15.0026 160.744 13.3199 160.744 10.0531C160.744 6.2504 163.075 3.75684 167.494 3.75684C172.69 3.75684 174.178 6.99371 174.22 10.4072H169.287C169.202 8.85917 168.918 7.52892 167.463 7.52892C166.322 7.52892 165.813 8.26576 165.813 9.50608C165.813 10.7793 166.311 11.4359 168.736 12.6442C172.87 14.7189 174.625 16.4733 174.625 20.2107C174.625 23.8852 172.47 26.8132 167.464 26.8132C162.041 26.8132 160.386 23.733 160.277 19.9591H165.334L165.334 19.9588Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M176.705 4.16309H184.023C187.894 4.16309 190.676 6.29925 190.676 10.9016C190.676 15.5458 188.181 17.7148 183.795 17.7148H181.795V26.3926H176.705V4.16309H176.705ZM181.795 13.807H183.126C184.892 13.807 185.564 12.9485 185.564 10.8587C185.564 8.79016 184.673 7.99924 183.232 7.99924H181.795V13.8073L181.795 13.807Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M207.325 15.1386C207.325 23.2853 205.095 26.8132 199.552 26.8132C194.384 26.8132 192.09 23.226 192.09 15.0267C192.09 7.15007 194.64 3.75684 199.761 3.75684C205.019 3.75684 207.325 7.4046 207.325 15.1386ZM197.442 15.0284C197.442 20.5158 197.939 22.7989 199.697 22.7989C201.553 22.7989 201.974 20.6748 201.974 15.0284C201.974 9.75179 201.532 7.79256 199.697 7.79256C197.93 7.79256 197.442 9.84702 197.442 15.0284Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M214.756 17.2963V26.3923H209.699V4.16309H217.231C221.533 4.16309 223.725 6.29278 223.725 10.3185C223.725 13.3961 222.207 14.8363 220.863 15.3668C222.608 16.1436 223.432 17.5723 223.432 20.7698V21.5431C223.432 24.0146 223.529 25.4157 223.671 26.3926H218.699C218.439 25.5341 218.349 23.5564 218.349 21.3829V20.6175C218.349 17.9888 217.818 17.2963 215.86 17.2963H214.756ZM214.768 13.4716H215.955C217.871 13.4716 218.61 12.7809 218.61 10.6086C218.61 8.77694 217.962 7.97602 216.28 7.97602H214.768V13.4716Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M229.381 8.34165H224.983V4.16309H238.869V8.34165H234.494V26.3926H229.381V8.34165Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M244.729 19.9588C244.858 21.7846 245.379 23.0408 246.91 23.0408C248.398 23.0408 248.875 22.0427 248.875 20.7791C248.875 19.2408 248.099 18.3361 245.476 16.9962C241.602 15.0026 240.139 13.3199 240.139 10.
450531C240.139 6.2504 242.47 3.75684 246.889 3.75684C252.085 3.75684 253.573 6.99371 253.615 10.4072H248.682C248.597 8.85917 248.313 7.52892 246.858 7.52892C245.717 7.52892 245.208 8.26576 245.208 9.50608C245.208 10.7793 245.706 11.4359 248.131 12.6442C252.265 14.7189 254.02 16.4733 254.02 20.2107C254.02 23.8852 251.865 26.8132 246.859 26.8132C241.436 26.8132 239.781 23.733 239.672 19.9591H244.729L244.729 19.9588Z" fill="white"></path></svg><svg class="es-logo_mobileLogo__A8thA" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="201" height="24" viewBox="0 0 201 24" fill="none"><path d="M200.5 0H0V23.8474H200.5V0Z" fill="var(--primary-color)"></path><path d="M12.2507 13.244H7.003V17.3741H12.9436L12.4791 20.5898H3.09863V3.2583H12.4892V6.51621H7.003V10.0028H12.2507V13.244Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M17.7164 15.5732C17.8163 16.9967 18.2212 17.9761 19.4112 17.9761C20.5673 17.9761 20.9379 17.1979 20.9379 16.2127C20.9379 15.0133 20.335 14.308 18.2964 13.2633C15.286 11.7089 14.1491 10.397 14.1491 7.8499C14.1491 4.88508 15.9608 2.94092 19.3943 2.94092C23.4332 2.94092 24.5888 5.46462 24.6218 8.12604H20.788C20.7218 6.91907 20.5011 5.88191 19.37 5.88191C18.4843 5.88191 18.0881 6.4564 18.0881 7.42344C18.0881 8.41615 18.4751 8.92808 20.3599 9.87014C23.5723 11.4878 24.936 12.8556 24.936 15.7695C24.936 18.6344 23.2615 20.9173 19.3714 20.9173C15.1565 20.9173 13.8707 18.5157 13.7861 15.5734H17.7162L17.7164 15.5732Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M29.941 15.5732C30.0409 16.9967 30.4458 17.9761 31.6358 17.9761C32.7919 17.9761 33.1625 17.1979 33.1625 16.2127C33.1625 15.0133 32.5596 14.308 30.521 13.2633C27.5106 11.7089 26.3737 10.397 26.3737 7.8499C26.3737 4.88508 28.1854 2.94092 31.6189 2.94092C35.6578 2.94092 36.8134 5.46462 36.8464 8.12604H33.0126C32.9464 6.91907 32.7257 5.88191 31.5946 5.88191C30.7089 5.88191 30.3127 6.4564 30.3127 7.42344C30.3127 8.41615 30.6997 8.92808 32.5845 9.87014C35.7969 11.4878 37.1606 12.8556 37.1606 15.7695C37.1606 18.6344 35.4861 20.9173 31.596 20.9173C27.3811 20.9173 26.0953 18.5157 26.0107 15.5734H29.9408L29.941 15.5732Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M47.9267 13.244H42.679V17.3741H48.6197L48.1552 20.5898H38.7744V3.2583H48.1652V6.51621H42.679V10.0028H47.9267V13.244Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M50.1191 20.5898V3.2583H54.4768C57.1116 11.427 57.7235 13.3909 57.9015 14.1824H57.9723C57.8005 12.0015 57.7464 9.14532 57.7464 6.44059V3.2583H61.263V20.5901H56.9695C54.2323 11.5815 53.718 9.83508 53.5233 9.08597H53.4435C53.5805 11.1713 53.653 14.3818 53.653 17.2169V20.5901H50.1194L50.1191 20.5898Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M65.9713 6.51621H62.5537V3.2583H73.3451V6.51621H69.9454V20.5901H65.9713V6.51621Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M78.606 3.2583V20.5901H74.6235V3.2583H78.606Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M84.3707 16.8803L83.7808 20.5901H79.7979L83.2173 3.2583H88.8142L92.277 20.5901H88.1405L87.5328 16.8803H84.3707ZM87.0055 13.5309C86.612 11.0022 86.2326 8.18126 86.0133 6.58794H85.8822C85.7131 8.25001 85.2896 11.0008 84.8796 13.5309H87.0055Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M93.5366 3.2583H97.5196V17.3551H103.018L102.647 20.5901H93.5366V3.2583Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M104.241 3.2583H108.224V17.3551H113.723L113.352 20.5901H104.241V3.2583Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M115.937 20.5901V14.9643C115.937 14.7138 115.911 14.4517 115.799 14.1668L111.733 3.2583H116.129C116.845 5.87343 117.644 8.88454 118.067 11.0141C118.546 9.05183 119.408 5.80812 120.049 3.2583H124.166L120.04 14.209C119.98 14.4003 119.928 14.5965 119.928 14.8969V20.5901H115.937Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M128.489 15.5732C128.589 16.9967 128.994 17.9761 130.184 17.9761C131.34 17.9761 131.711 17.1979 131.711 16.2127C131.711 15.0133 131.108 14.308 129.069 13.2633C126.058 11.7089 124.922 10.397 124.922 7.8499C124.922 4.88508 126.733 2.94092 130.167 2.94092C134.206 2.94092 135.361 5.46462 135.394 8.12604H131.561C131.494 6.91907 131.274 5.88191 130.143 5.88191C129.257 5.88191 128.861 6.4564 128.861 7.42344C128.861 8.41615 129.248 8.92808 131.132 9.87014C134.345 11.4878 135.709 12.8556 135.709 15.7695C135.709 18.6344 134.034 20.9173 130.144 20.9173C125.929 20.9173 124.643 18.5157 124.559 15.5734H128.489L128.489 15.5732Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M137.324 3.2583H143.012C146.02 3.2583 148.182 4.92381 148.182 8.51217C148.182 12.1331 146.243 13.8242 142.834 13.8242H141.28V2
450.5901H137.324V3.2583H137.324ZM141.28 10.7774H142.315C143.687 10.7774 144.209 10.108 144.209 8.47871C144.209 6.86591 143.516 6.24925 142.397 6.24925H141.28V10.7776L141.28 10.7774Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M161.12 11.815C161.12 18.1667 159.387 20.9173 155.079 20.9173C151.063 20.9173 149.28 18.1205 149.28 11.7277C149.28 5.58653 151.262 2.94092 155.242 2.94092C159.327 2.94092 161.12 5.78498 161.12 11.815ZM153.439 11.7291C153.439 16.0074 153.825 17.7875 155.192 17.7875C156.634 17.7875 156.961 16.1314 156.961 11.7291C156.961 7.61502 156.617 6.08746 155.192 6.08746C153.819 6.08746 153.439 7.68926 153.439 11.7291Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M166.894 13.4979V20.5898H162.964V3.2583H168.817C172.161 3.2583 173.864 4.91877 173.864 8.05752C173.864 10.457 172.685 11.5799 171.64 11.9935C172.996 12.5992 173.636 13.7131 173.636 16.2061V16.809C173.636 18.736 173.712 19.8284 173.822 20.5901H169.958C169.756 19.9207 169.687 18.3787 169.687 16.6841V16.0874C169.687 14.0378 169.274 13.4979 167.752 13.4979H166.894ZM166.903 10.5159H167.826C169.315 10.5159 169.889 9.97739 169.889 8.2837C169.889 6.85559 169.386 6.23114 168.079 6.23114H166.903V10.5159Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M178.258 6.51621H174.84V3.2583H185.631V6.51621H182.232V20.5901H178.258V6.51621Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M190.188 15.5732C190.288 16.9967 190.693 17.9761 191.882 17.9761C193.039 17.9761 193.41 17.1979 193.41 16.2127C193.41 15.0133 192.807 14.308 190.768 13.2633C187.757 11.7089 186.62 10.397 186.62 7.8499C186.62 4.88508 188.432 2.94092 191.866 2.94092C195.904 2.94092 197.06 5.46462 197.093 8.12604H193.26C193.193 6.91907 192.972 5.88191 191.842 5.88191C190.955 5.88191 190.559 6.4564 190.559 7.42344C190.559 8.41615 190.946 8.92808 192.831 9.87014C196.044 11.4878 197.408 12.8556 197.408 15.7695C197.408 18.6344 195.733 20.9173 191.843 20.9173C187.628 20.9173 186.342 18.5157 186.257 15.5734H190.187L190.188 15.5732Z" fill="white"></path></svg></a><div class="header_menuContainer__8vpOR"><div><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/latest-news/">Latest</a></div><div>Sports<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="19" height="19" viewBox="0 0 19 19" fill="none"><path d="M16.5 6.5L9.5 12.5L2.5 6.5" stroke="var(--primary-color)" stroke-width="3"></path></svg></div><div><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/newsletter-hub/">Newsletters</a></div><div><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/think-tank/">Think Tank</a></div><div>Case Studies<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="19" height="19" viewBox="0 0 19 19" fill="none"><path d="M16.5 6.5L9.5 12.5L2.5 6.5" stroke="var(--primary-color)" stroke-width="3"></path></svg></div></div></div><div class="header_rightSection__pYuTf"><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/essentiallysports" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none"><rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><path d="M16.9789 11.1706H14.466V10.34C14.466 9.09741 14.952 8.62071 16.2131 8.62071C16.6037 8.62071 16.9205 8.6299 17.102 8.64837V6.51687C16.7575 6.42147 15.9178 6.32617 15.4318 6.32617C12.8635 6.32617 11.6794 7.538 11.6794 10.1555V11.1674H10.0923V13.5174H11.6794V20.8716H14.4691V13.5204H16.5484L16.9789 11.1706Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M14.466 11.1706H16.9789L16.5484 13.5204H14.4691V20.8716H11.6794V13.5174H10.0923V11.1674H11.6794V10.1555C11.6794 7.538 12.8635 6.32617 15.4318 6.32617C15.9178 6.32617 16.7575 6.42147 17.102 6.51687V8.64837C16.9205 8.6299 16.6037 8.62071 16.2131 8.62071C14.952 8.62071 14.466 9.09741 14.466 10.34V11.1706Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/es_sportsnews/" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg width="29" height="29" viewBox="0 0 29 29" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" fill="white"></rect><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.24779"></rect><path d="M18.196 8.42059L14.7761 12.3299L11.819 8.42059H7.53455L12.6527 15.1125L7.80219 20.6564H9.87903L13.6227 16.3782L16.8947 20.6564H21.0716L15.7365 13.6031L20.2714 8.42059H18.196ZM17.4676 19.414L9.95912 9.59729H11.1933L18.6176 19.4133L17.4676 19.414Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/essentiallysportsmedia" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none">
45<rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><path d="M13.5885 7.12744C11.8328 7.12744 11.6125 7.13512 10.9229 7.1665C10.2347 7.19801 9.76491 7.30697 9.35387 7.46684C8.92868 7.63195 8.56801 7.85283 8.20868 8.21229C7.84908 8.57162 7.62821 8.93229 7.46255 9.35734C7.30228 9.76852 7.19319 10.2384 7.16221 10.9264C7.13137 11.6159 7.12329 11.8364 7.12329 13.5921C7.12329 15.3478 7.1311 15.5675 7.16235 16.257C7.194 16.9452 7.30295 17.415 7.46269 17.826C7.62794 18.2512 7.84881 18.6119 8.20828 18.9712C8.56747 19.3308 8.92814 19.5522 9.35306 19.7174C9.76437 19.8772 10.2343 19.9862 10.9224 20.0177C11.6119 20.0491 11.8321 20.0568 13.5877 20.0568C15.3435 20.0568 15.5632 20.0491 16.2527 20.0177C16.941 19.9862 17.4113 19.8772 17.8226 19.7174C18.2476 19.5522 18.6078 19.3308 18.9669 18.9712C19.3265 18.6119 19.5474 18.2512 19.7131 17.8262C19.872 17.415 19.9811 16.9451 20.0134 16.2572C20.0444 15.5676 20.0525 15.3478 20.0525 13.5921C20.0525 11.8364 20.0444 11.6161 20.0134 10.9265C19.9811 10.2383 19.872 9.76852 19.7131 9.35748C19.5474 8.93229 19.3265 8.57162 18.9669 8.21229C18.6074 7.8527 18.2478 7.63182 17.8222 7.46684C17.41 7.30697 16.94 7.19801 16.2518 7.1665C15.5622 7.13512 15.3427 7.12744 13.5865 7.12744H13.5885ZM13.0086 8.29243C13.1807 8.29216 13.3727 8.29243 13.5885 8.29243C15.3146 8.29243 15.5191 8.29862 16.2007 8.3296C16.8311 8.35842 17.1731 8.46374 17.401 8.55223C17.7027 8.6694 17.9178 8.80946 18.1439 9.03573C18.3702 9.26199 18.5102 9.47748 18.6277 9.77916C18.7162 10.0068 18.8216 10.3489 18.8503 10.9792C18.8813 11.6606 18.888 11.8654 18.888 13.5906C18.888 15.3159 18.8813 15.5206 18.8503 16.2021C18.8215 16.8324 18.7162 17.1745 18.6277 17.4021C18.5105 17.7038 18.3702 17.9186 18.1439 18.1447C17.9177 18.371 17.7028 18.511 17.401 18.6282C17.1734 18.7171 16.8311 18.8221 16.2007 18.851C15.5193 18.8819 15.3146 18.8887 13.5885 18.8887C11.8623 18.8887 11.6577 18.8819 10.9762 18.851C10.3459 18.8219 10.0038 18.7166 9.77582 18.6281C9.47414 18.5109 9.25865 18.3708 9.03239 18.1446C8.80612 17.9183 8.66605 17.7034 8.54861 17.4015C8.46013 17.1739 8.35467 16.8318 8.32599 16.2015C8.29501 15.52 8.28881 15.3153 8.28881 13.589C8.28881 11.8627 8.29501 11.659 8.32599 10.9775C8.35481 10.3472 8.46013 10.0052 8.54861 9.77728C8.66579 9.47559 8.80612 9.2601 9.03239 9.03384C9.25865 8.80758 9.47414 8.66751 9.77582 8.55007C10.0037 8.46118 10.3459 8.35613 10.9762 8.32717C11.5726 8.30024 11.8037 8.29216 13.0086 8.29081V8.29243ZM17.0393 9.36583C16.611 9.36583 16.2635 9.7129 16.2635 10.1413C16.2635 10.5696 16.611 10.9171 17.0393 10.9171C17.4676 10.9171 17.815 10.5696 17.815 10.1413C17.815 9.71304 17.4676 9.36556 17.0393 9.36556V9.36583ZM13.5885 10.2722C11.7551 10.2722 10.2686 11.7587 10.2686 13.5921C10.2686 15.4255 11.7551 16.9113 13.5885 16.9113C15.4219 16.9113 16.9078 15.4255 16.9078 13.5921C16.9078 11.7587 15.4219 10.2722 13.5885 10.2722ZM13.5885 11.4372C14.7785 11.4372 15.7434 12.4019 15.7434 13.5921C15.7434 14.7821 14.7785 15.747 13.5885 15.747C12.3983 15.747 11.4336 14.7821 11.4336 13.5921C11.4336 12.4019 12.3983 11.4372 13.5885 11.4372Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/essentially-sports" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none"><rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M20.0643 20.0519H17.4078V15.5271C17.4078 14.2866 16.9364 13.5933 15.9545 13.5933C14.8863 13.5933 14.3282 14.3148 14.3282 15.5271V20.0519H11.768V11.4323H14.3282V12.5934C14.3282 12.5934 15.098 11.169 16.9271 11.169C18.7554 11.169 20.0643 12.2855 20.0643 14.5945V20.0519ZM8.71372 10.3037C7.84166 10.3037 7.13501 9.59148 7.13501 8.71311C7.13501 7.83475 7.84166 7.12256 8.71372 7.12256C9.58577 7.12256 10.292 7.83475 10.292 8.71311C10.292 9.59148 9.58577 10.3037 8.71372 10.3037ZM7.39174 20.0519H10.0614V11.4323H7.39174V20.0519Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@EssentiallySportsMedia" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none">
45<rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><path d="M13.58 18.3393C13.58 18.3393 17.8835 18.3393 18.9509 18.0551C19.5519 17.894 20.0039 17.4298 20.1626 16.8566C20.4559 15.805 20.4559 13.5928 20.4559 13.5928C20.4559 13.5928 20.4559 11.3948 20.1626 10.3527C20.0039 9.76527 19.5519 9.31052 18.9509 9.15419C17.8835 8.86523 13.58 8.86523 13.58 8.86523C13.58 8.86523 9.28615 8.86523 8.22351 9.15419C7.63209 9.31052 7.17049 9.76527 7.0022 10.3527C6.71851 11.3948 6.71851 13.5928 6.71851 13.5928C6.71851 13.5928 6.71851 15.805 7.0022 16.8566C7.17049 17.4298 7.63209 17.894 8.22351 18.0551C9.28615 18.3393 13.58 18.3393 13.58 18.3393Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M15.7247 13.6016L12.1719 11.5884V15.6149L15.7247 13.6016Z" fill="white"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://g.co/kgs/YnkMpk5" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><g clip-path="url(#clip0_4193_4500)"><mask id="mask0_4193_4500" style="mask-type:luminance" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="7" y="8" width="13" height="13"><path d="M19.4128 8.29395H7.09033V20.865H19.4128V8.29395Z" fill="white"></path></mask><g mask="url(#mask0_4193_4500)"><path d="M19.4093 14.7261C19.4093 14.2987 19.3748 13.8692 19.3009 13.4487H13.3723V15.8689H16.7675C16.6266 16.6498 16.1736 17.3403 15.5108 17.7788V19.349H17.536C18.7257 18.2546 19.4093 16.6381 19.4093 14.7261Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M13.3779 20.8609C15.073 20.8609 16.5031 20.3044 17.5443 19.3432L15.5191 17.773C14.9557 18.1563 14.2279 18.3738 13.3807 18.3738C11.7407 18.3738 10.3508 17.2676 9.85155 15.7803H7.76074V17.3995C8.82755 19.522 11.0012 20.8609 13.3779 20.8609Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M9.84841 15.7809C9.58533 15 9.58533 14.1548 9.84841 13.3746V11.7554H7.76037C6.86894 13.5313 6.86894 15.6242 7.76037 17.4001L9.84841 15.7809Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M13.3779 10.7801C14.2741 10.7663 15.14 11.1032 15.7891 11.7226L17.5837 9.928C16.4471 8.86119 14.9391 8.27427 13.3779 8.29291C11.0012 8.29291 8.82824 9.63247 7.76074 11.7571L9.84879 13.3763C10.3453 11.8869 11.738 10.7801 13.3779 10.7801Z" fill="black"></path></g><path d="M17.0797 5.17915L16.9257 5.01758L16.7717 5.17915L16.1565 5.82476L15.2699 5.72533L15.0483 5.70047L15.0344 5.92281L14.9785 6.81286L14.2355 7.30656L14.0498 7.43016L14.1824 7.60968L14.7113 8.3278L14.46 9.18331L14.3971 9.39737L14.6139 9.44984L15.4805 9.65975L15.8375 10.4773L15.9266 10.6817L16.1261 10.5823L16.925 10.1859L17.7239 10.5823L17.9235 10.6817L18.0125 10.4773L18.3695 9.65975L19.2361 9.44984L19.4529 9.39737L19.3901 9.18331L19.1387 8.3278L19.6676 7.60968L19.8002 7.43016L19.6145 7.30656L18.8715 6.81286L18.8156 5.92281L18.8018 5.70047L18.5801 5.72533L17.6935 5.82476L17.0783 5.17915H17.0797Z" fill="black" stroke="white" stroke-width="0.621213" stroke-miterlimit="2.462"></path><path d="M15.845 8.17479L16.4816 8.81142L17.9185 7.37451" stroke="white" stroke-width="0.623233" stroke-miterlimit="2.462"></path></g><defs><clipPath id="clip0_4193_4500"><rect width="13.0144" height="16.1616" fill="white" transform="translate(7.08447 4.70801)"></rect></clipPath></defs></svg></a><div data-open="false"><svg width="20" height="17" viewBox="0 0 20 17" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M0 1.5H20" stroke="black" stroke-width="3"></path><path d="M0 8.5H20" stroke="black" stroke-width="3"></path><path d="M0 15.5H20" stroke="black" stroke-width="3"></path></svg><svg width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.1421 20.1953L4.99995 6.05318" stroke="black" stroke-width="3"></path><path d="M5.14209 20.1953L19.2842 6.05318" stroke="black" stroke-width="3"></path></svg></div></div></nav><div data-open="false" class="header_hamburgerMenu__dRWRm"><div class="header_hamburgerMenuContent__Z3vdK"><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/latest-news/">Latest</a>
45<details data-type="Sports"><summary>Sports</summary><aside><details data-type="NFL" class="header_subDetails__Dt5dN"><summary>NFL</summary><aside><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nfl/">All News</a><div class="nfl-sub-item_container__TzThf"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text">NFC<!-- --> <!-- -->EAST</p><div class="nfl-sub-item_teamStack__INgTf"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/dallas-cowboys/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#BACAD3;background-color:#002A5B;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">COWBOYS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/philadelphia-eagles/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#FFFFFF;background-color:#241D1F;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">EAGLES</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/washington-commanders/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#FFB611;background-color:#591414;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">COMMANDERS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/new-york-giants/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#FFFFFF;background-color:#A71930;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">GIANTS</p></a></div></div><div class="nfl-sub-item_container__TzThf"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text">AFC<!-- --> <!-- -->EAST</p><div class="nfl-sub-item_teamStack__INgTf"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/miami-dolphins/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#004966;background-color:#00C8D7;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">DOLPHINS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/new-york-jets/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#FFFFFF;background-color:#115740;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">JETS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/buffalo-bills/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#F70542;background-color:#032982;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">BILLS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/new-england-patriots/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#FFFFFF;background-color:#013569;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">PATRIOTS</p></a></div></div><div class="nfl-sub-item_container__TzThf"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text">NFC<!-- --> <!-- -->WEST</p><div class="nfl-sub-item_teamStack__INgTf"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/los-angeles-rams/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#003594;background-color:#FDCF00;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">RAMS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/arizona-cardinals/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#FFBE26;background-color:#8E223D;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">CARDINALS</p></a>
45<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/seattle-seahawks/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#00004F;background-color:#69BE28;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">SEAHAWKS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/san-francisco-49ers/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#E9CB94;background-color:#930000;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">49ERS</p></a></div></div><div class="nfl-sub-item_container__TzThf"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text">AFC<!-- --> <!-- -->WEST</p><div class="nfl-sub-item_teamStack__INgTf"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/las-vegas-raiders/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#C4C9CC;background-color:#000000;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">RAIDERS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/kansas-city-chiefs/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#000000;background-color:#FFC20E;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">CHIEFS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/denver-broncos/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#002144;background-color:#FA5E2A;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">BRONCOS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/los-angeles-chargers-nfl/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#FFCA1C;background-color:#007CC3;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">CHARGERS</p></a></div></div><div class="nfl-sub-item_container__TzThf"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text">NFC<!-- --> <!-- -->SOUTH</p><div class="nfl-sub-item_teamStack__INgTf"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/atlanta-falcons/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#FFFFFF;background-color:#BC1E23;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">FALCONS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/carolina-panthers/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#008CD2;background-color:#070D14;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">PANTHERS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/tampa-bay-buccaneers/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#EE0C0C;background-color:#000000;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">BUCCANEERS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/new-orleans-saints/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#0F1720;background-color:#D1BA8B;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">SAINTS</p></a></div></div><div class="nfl-sub-item_container__TzThf"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text">AFC<!-- --> <!-- -->SOUTH</p><div class="nfl-sub-item_teamStack__INgTf"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/tennessee-titans/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#012850;background-color:#579AD1;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">TITANS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/jacksonville-jaguars-nfl/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#FFFFFF;background-color:#006778;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">JAGUARS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/indianapolis-colts/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#023064;background-color:#CCD1D1;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">COLTS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/houston-texans/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#000000;background-color:#F20028;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">TEXANS</p></a></div></div><div class="nfl-sub-item_container__TzThf"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text">NFC<!-- --> <!-- -->NORTH</p><div class="nfl-sub-item_teamStack__INgTf"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/green-bay-packers/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#23423C;background-color:#FCBE15;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">PACKERS</p></a>
45<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/chicago-bears/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#F04400;background-color:#0B162A;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">BEARS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/detroit-lions/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#FFFFFF;background-color:#006FAB;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">LIONS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/minnesota-vikings/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#4F2683;background-color:#FFC62F;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">VIKINGS</p></a></div></div><div class="nfl-sub-item_container__TzThf"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text">AFC<!-- --> <!-- -->NORTH</p><div class="nfl-sub-item_teamStack__INgTf"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/cincinnati-bengals/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#FF5C22;background-color:#000000;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">BENGALS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/baltimore-ravens/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#231672;background-color:#BC930E;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">RAVENS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/cleveland-browns/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#FFFFFF;background-color:#FF470F;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">BROWNS</p></a><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/pittsburgh-steelers/"><p data-hug="strict" class="hug-text " style="color:#000000;background-color:#A5ACAF;font-size:26.979px;padding:5.174px 4.435px 5.174px 3.696px;line-height:normal;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:var(--acumin-pro-condensed-black);width:fit-content">STEELERS</p></a></div></div></aside></details><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/college-football/">College Football</a><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/college-basketball/">College Basketball</a><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/golf/">Golf</a><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/tennis/">Tennis</a><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/boxing/">Boxing</a><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/">NBA</a><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/">NASCAR</a><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/olympics/">Olympics</a><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/ufc/">UFC</a><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/wnba/">WNBA</a><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/baseball/">MLB</a></aside></details><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/newsletter-hub/">Newsletters</a><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/think-tank/">Think Tank</a><details data-type="Case Studies"><summary>Case Studies</summary><aside><details data-type="Partnerships" class="header_subDetails__Dt5dN"><summary>Partnerships</summary><aside><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://case-study.essentiallysports.com">Dude Wipes</a></aside></details>
45<details data-type="Events" class="header_subDetails__Dt5dN"><summary>Events</summary><aside><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wnba-all-star-2025-event/">WNBA Allstars</a><a data-hug="strict" class="hug-text" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-open-2025/">US Open Event</a></aside></details></aside></details></div><div><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/essentiallysports" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none"><rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><path d="M16.9789 11.1706H14.466V10.34C14.466 9.09741 14.952 8.62071 16.2131 8.62071C16.6037 8.62071 16.9205 8.6299 17.102 8.64837V6.51687C16.7575 6.42147 15.9178 6.32617 15.4318 6.32617C12.8635 6.32617 11.6794 7.538 11.6794 10.1555V11.1674H10.0923V13.5174H11.6794V20.8716H14.4691V13.5204H16.5484L16.9789 11.1706Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M14.466 11.1706H16.9789L16.5484 13.5204H14.4691V20.8716H11.6794V13.5174H10.0923V11.1674H11.6794V10.1555C11.6794 7.538 12.8635 6.32617 15.4318 6.32617C15.9178 6.32617 16.7575 6.42147 17.102 6.51687V8.64837C16.9205 8.6299 16.6037 8.62071 16.2131 8.62071C14.952 8.62071 14.466 9.09741 14.466 10.34V11.1706Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/es_sportsnews/" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg width="29" height="29" viewBox="0 0 29 29" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" fill="white"></rect><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.24779"></rect><path d="M18.196 8.42059L14.7761 12.3299L11.819 8.42059H7.53455L12.6527 15.1125L7.80219 20.6564H9.87903L13.6227 16.3782L16.8947 20.6564H21.0716L15.7365 13.6031L20.2714 8.42059H18.196ZM17.4676 19.414L9.95912 9.59729H11.1933L18.6176 19.4133L17.4676 19.414Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/essentiallysportsmedia" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none"><rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><path d="M13.5885 7.12744C11.8328 7.12744 11.6125 7.13512 10.9229 7.1665C10.2347 7.19801 9.76491 7.30697 9.35387 7.46684C8.92868 7.63195 8.56801 7.85283 8.20868 8.21229C7.84908 8.57162 7.62821 8.93229 7.46255 9.35734C7.30228 9.76852 7.19319 10.2384 7.16221 10.9264C7.13137 11.6159 7.12329 11.8364 7.12329 13.5921C7.12329 15.3478 7.1311 15.5675 7.16235 16.257C7.194 16.9452 7.30295 17.415 7.46269 17.826C7.62794 18.2512 7.84881 18.6119 8.20828 18.9712C8.56747 19.3308 8.92814 19.5522 9.35306 19.7174C9.76437 19.8772 10.2343 19.9862 10.9224 20.0177C11.6119 20.0491 11.8321 20.0568 13.5877 20.0568C15.3435 20.0568 15.5632 20.0491 16.2527 20.0177C16.941 19.9862 17.4113 19.8772 17.8226 19.7174C18.2476 19.5522 18.6078 19.3308 18.9669 18.9712C19.3265 18.6119 19.5474 18.2512 19.7131 17.8262C19.872 17.415 19.9811 16.9451 20.0134 16.2572C20.0444 15.5676 20.0525 15.3478 20.0525 13.5921C20.0525 11.8364 20.0444 11.6161 20.0134 10.9265C19.9811 10.2383 19.872 9.76852 19.7131 9.35748C19.5474 8.93229 19.3265 8.57162 18.9669 8.21229C18.6074 7.8527 18.2478 7.63182 17.8222 7.46684C17.41 7.30697 16.94 7.19801 16.2518 7.1665C15.5622 7.13512 15.3427 7.12744 13.5865 7.12744H13.5885ZM13.0086 8.29243C13.1807 8.29216 13.3727 8.29243 13.5885 8.29243C15.3146 8.29243 15.5191 8.29862 16.2007 8.3296C16.8311 8.35842 17.1731 8.46374 17.401 8.55223C17.7027 8.6694 17.9178 8.80946 18.1439 9.03573C18.3702 9.26199 18.5102 9.47748 18.6277 9.77916C18.7162 10.0068 18.8216 10.3489 18.8503 10.9792C18.8813 11.6606 18.888 11.8654 18.888 13.5906C18.888 15.3159 18.8813 15.5206 18.8503 16.2021C18.8215 16.8324 18.7162 17.1745 18.6277 17.4021C18.5105 17.7038 18.3702 17.9186 18.1439 18.1447C17.9177 18.371 17.7028 18.511 17.401 18.6282C17.1734 18.7171 16.8311 18.8221 16.2007 18.851C15.5193 18.8819 15.3146 18.8887 13.5885 18.8887C11.8623 18.8887 11.6577 18.8819 10.9762 18.851C10.3459 18.8219 10.0038 18.7166 9.77582 18.6281C9.47414 18.5109 9.25865 18.3708 9.03239 18.1446C8.80612 17.9183 8.66605 17.7034 8.54861 17.4015C8.46013 17.1739 8.35467 16.8318 8.32599 16.2015C8.29501 15.52 8.28881 15.3153 8.28881 13.589C8.28881 11.8627 8.29501 11.659 8.32599 10.9775C8.35481 10.3472 8.46013 10.0052 8.54861 9.77728C8.66579 9.47559 8.80612 9.2601 9.03239 9.03384C9.25865 8.80758 9.47414 8.66751 9.77582 8.55007C10.0037 8.46118 10.3459 8.35613 10.9762 8.32717C11.5726 8.30024 11.8037 8.29216 13.0086 8.29081V8.29243ZM17.0393 9.36583C16.611 9.36583 16.2635 9.7129 16.2635 10.1413C16.2635 10.5696 16.611 10.9171 17.0393 10.9171C17.4676 10.9171 17.815 10.5696 17.815 10.1413C17.815 9.71304 17.4676 9.36556 17.0393 9.36556V9.36583ZM13.5885 10.2722C11.7551 10.2722 10.2686 11.7587 10.2686 13.5921C10.2686 15.4255 11.7551 16.9113 13.5885 16.9113C15.4219 16.9113 16.9078 15.4255 16.9078 13.5921C16.9078 11.7587 15.4219 10.2722 13.5885 10.2722ZM13.5885 11.4372C14.7785 11.4372 15.7434 12.4019 15.7434 13.5921C15.7434 14.7821 14.7785 15.747 13.5885 15.747C12.3983 15.747 11.4336 14.7821 11.4336 13.5921C11.4336 12.4019 12.3983 11.4372 13.5885 11.4372Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/essentially-sports" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none">
45<rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M20.0643 20.0519H17.4078V15.5271C17.4078 14.2866 16.9364 13.5933 15.9545 13.5933C14.8863 13.5933 14.3282 14.3148 14.3282 15.5271V20.0519H11.768V11.4323H14.3282V12.5934C14.3282 12.5934 15.098 11.169 16.9271 11.169C18.7554 11.169 20.0643 12.2855 20.0643 14.5945V20.0519ZM8.71372 10.3037C7.84166 10.3037 7.13501 9.59148 7.13501 8.71311C7.13501 7.83475 7.84166 7.12256 8.71372 7.12256C9.58577 7.12256 10.292 7.83475 10.292 8.71311C10.292 9.59148 9.58577 10.3037 8.71372 10.3037ZM7.39174 20.0519H10.0614V11.4323H7.39174V20.0519Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@EssentiallySportsMedia" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none"><rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><path d="M13.58 18.3393C13.58 18.3393 17.8835 18.3393 18.9509 18.0551C19.5519 17.894 20.0039 17.4298 20.1626 16.8566C20.4559 15.805 20.4559 13.5928 20.4559 13.5928C20.4559 13.5928 20.4559 11.3948 20.1626 10.3527C20.0039 9.76527 19.5519 9.31052 18.9509 9.15419C17.8835 8.86523 13.58 8.86523 13.58 8.86523C13.58 8.86523 9.28615 8.86523 8.22351 9.15419C7.63209 9.31052 7.17049 9.76527 7.0022 10.3527C6.71851 11.3948 6.71851 13.5928 6.71851 13.5928C6.71851 13.5928 6.71851 15.805 7.0022 16.8566C7.17049 17.4298 7.63209 17.894 8.22351 18.0551C9.28615 18.3393 13.58 18.3393 13.58 18.3393Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M15.7247 13.6016L12.1719 11.5884V15.6149L15.7247 13.6016Z" fill="white"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://g.co/kgs/YnkMpk5" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><g clip-path="url(#clip0_4193_4500)"><mask id="mask0_4193_4500" style="mask-type:luminance" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="7" y="8" width="13" height="13"><path d="M19.4128 8.29395H7.09033V20.865H19.4128V8.29395Z" fill="white"></path></mask><g mask="url(#mask0_4193_4500)"><path d="M19.4093 14.7261C19.4093 14.2987 19.3748 13.8692 19.3009 13.4487H13.3723V15.8689H16.7675C16.6266 16.6498 16.1736 17.3403 15.5108 17.7788V19.349H17.536C18.7257 18.2546 19.4093 16.6381 19.4093 14.7261Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M13.3779 20.8609C15.073 20.8609 16.5031 20.3044 17.5443 19.3432L15.5191 17.773C14.9557 18.1563 14.2279 18.3738 13.3807 18.3738C11.7407 18.3738 10.3508 17.2676 9.85155 15.7803H7.76074V17.3995C8.82755 19.522 11.0012 20.8609 13.3779 20.8609Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M9.84841 15.7809C9.58533 15 9.58533 14.1548 9.84841 13.3746V11.7554H7.76037C6.86894 13.5313 6.86894 15.6242 7.76037 17.4001L9.84841 15.7809Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M13.3779 10.7801C14.2741 10.7663 15.14 11.1032 15.7891 11.7226L17.5837 9.928C16.4471 8.86119 14.9391 8.27427 13.3779 8.29291C11.0012 8.29291 8.82824 9.63247 7.76074 11.7571L9.84879 13.3763C10.3453 11.8869 11.738 10.7801 13.3779 10.7801Z" fill="black"></path></g><path d="M17.0797 5.17915L16.9257 5.01758L16.7717 5.17915L16.1565 5.82476L15.2699 5.72533L15.0483 5.70047L15.0344 5.92281L14.9785 6.81286L14.2355 7.30656L14.0498 7.43016L14.1824 7.60968L14.7113 8.3278L14.46 9.18331L14.3971 9.39737L14.6139 9.44984L15.4805 9.65975L15.8375 10.4773L15.9266 10.6817L16.1261 10.5823L16.925 10.1859L17.7239 10.5823L17.9235 10.6817L18.0125 10.4773L18.3695 9.65975L19.2361 9.44984L19.4529 9.39737L19.3901 9.18331L19.1387 8.3278L19.6676 7.60968L19.8002 7.43016L19.6145 7.30656L18.8715 6.81286L18.8156 5.92281L18.8018 5.70047L18.5801 5.72533L17.6935 5.82476L17.0783 5.17915H17.0797Z" fill="black" stroke="white" stroke-width="0.621213" stroke-miterlimit="2.462"></path><path d="M15.845 8.17479L16.4816 8.81142L17.9185 7.37451" stroke="white" stroke-width="0.623233" stroke-miterlimit="2.462"></path></g><defs><clipPath id="clip0_4193_4500"><rect width="13.0144" height="16.1616" fill="white" transform="translate(7.08447 4.70801)"></rect></clipPath></defs></svg></a></div></div></header><div class="head_es-article-max__n1a6B"><div class="head_es-article-head__sbCbU"><div class="head_mobile_head__qk3_S"><div class="breadcrumb_es-brand-breadcrumb__EMODK hug-text"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/">Home</a><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="6" height="11" viewB
45ox="0 0 6 11" fill="none"><path d="M0.759206 0.650879L4.63916 5.17749L0.759206 9.7041" stroke="#0A7DFA" stroke-width="2"></path></svg><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/boxing/">Boxing</a></div><div class="head_es-metadata__ynmYM"><h1>The Search for the Third Man in Tennisâ New Big 3</h1><a href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=essentiallysports.com" class="google-perference_googlePerference__h94ae" aria-disabled="false"><img src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/google-image.png" alt="google_perference"/><p class="hug-text">Add us on Google</p><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="10" height="10" viewBox="0 0 10 10" fill="none"><path d="M4.96562 9.93153C4.56836 9.93153 4.25623 9.6194 4.25623 9.22214V0.709395C4.25623 0.312134 4.56836 0 4.96562 0C5.36288 0 5.67502 0.312134 5.67502 0.709395V9.22214C5.67502 9.6194 5.36288 9.93153 4.96562 9.93153Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M9.22214 5.67517H0.709395C0.312134 5.67517 0 5.36303 0 4.96577C0 4.56851 0.312134 4.25638 0.709395 4.25638H9.22214C9.6194 4.25638 9.93153 4.56851 9.93153 4.96577C9.93153 5.36303 9.6194 5.67517 9.22214 5.67517Z" fill="white"></path></svg></a><div><div class="head_es-meta-content__mZbEO"><div class="head_es-brand-author-container__dc6G9"><div class="head_es-brand-author__Q1Td_"><span class="head_es-brand-author-name__S0qta"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/author/soumya-bontra/">Soumya Bontra</a></span><div><a class="brand-social-links_link___lTjX" href="https://twitter.com/@SoumyaBontra" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg width="27" height="27" viewBox="0 0 27 27" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect width="26.5774" height="26.5774" rx="5.55643" fill="transparent"></rect><path d="M17.1243 7.4184L13.7044 11.3277L10.7473 7.4184H6.46289L11.5811 14.1103L6.73054 19.6542H8.80738L12.551 15.376L15.823 19.6542H20L14.6648 12.6009L19.1998 7.4184H17.1243ZM16.396 18.4118L8.88747 8.59509H10.1217L17.546 18.4111L16.396 18.4118Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a></div></div><div class="head_es-share-container__J1bhz"><p class="head_es-share-text__w5bcF">Share:</p><div class="head_es-share__2Op0E"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.essentiallysports.com%2Ftennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/?utm_source=facebook_share&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=article_head" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="" aria-disabled="false"><svg width="29" height="29" viewBox="0 0 29 29" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" fill="white"></rect><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.24779"></rect><path d="M17.782 12.1322H15.1467V11.2612C15.1467 9.95806 15.6563 9.45813 16.9789 9.45813C17.3885 9.45813 17.7207 9.46776 17.9111 9.48714V7.25175C17.5498 7.1517 16.6692 7.05176 16.1595 7.05176C13.4661 7.05176 12.2242 8.32265 12.2242 11.0677V12.129H10.5598V14.5935H12.2242V22.3061H15.1498V14.5966H17.3305L17.782 12.1322Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M15.1467 12.1322H17.782L17.3305 14.5966H15.1498V22.3061H12.2242V14.5935H10.5598V12.129H12.2242V11.0677C12.2242 8.32265 13.4661 7.05176 16.1595 7.05176C16.6692 7.05176 17.5498 7.1517 17.9111 7.25175V9.48714C17.7207 9.46776 17.3885 9.45813 16.9789 9.45813C15.6563 9.45813 15.1467 9.95806 15.1467 11.2612V12.1322Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three&text=The Search for the Third Man in Tennisâ New Big 3&via=es_sportsnews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="head_twitter-share__PqZCx" aria-disabled="false"><svg width="29" height="29" viewBox="0 0 29 29" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" fill="white"></rect><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.24779"></rect><path d="M18.196 8.42059L14.7761 12.3299L11.819 8.42059H7.53455L12.6527 15.1125L7.80219 20.6564H9.87903L13.6227 16.3782L16.8947 20.6564H21.0716L15.7365 13.6031L20.2714 8.42059H18.196ZM17.4676 19.414L9.95912 9.59729H11.1933L18.6176 19.4133L17.4676 19.414Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><div><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 18 18" fill="none"><circle cx="9" cy="9" r="9" fill="#4ECE91"></circle><path d="M5.37109 8.89005L7.8627 11.3816L12.6259 6.61841" stroke="#0E7E48" stroke-width="1.14116" stroke-linecap="square"></path></svg>Link Copied!</div><span class="" aria-disabled="false" title="Copy link"><svg width="29" height="29" viewBox="0 0 29 29" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" fill="white"></rect><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.24779"></rect><path d="M12.6207 13.51C13.3282 12.8498 14.2804 12.4686 15.2805 12.4453C16.2807 12.422 17.2521 12.7584 17.994 13.3848L18.1352 13.51L20.3406 15.5692C21.0589 16.2408 21.4677 17.1476 21.48 18.0965C21.4922 19.0454 21.1069 19.9612 20.4062 20.6487C19.7054 21.3362 18.7447 21.7411 17.7287 21.7771C16.7127 21.813 15.7219 21.4772 14.9673 20.8412L14.827 20.716L13.1721 19.1714C13.0322 19.0404 12.951 18.8647 12.945 18.6798C12.9389 18.495 13.0085 18.3
45149 13.1395 18.1762C13.2706 18.0375 13.4533 17.9506 13.6505 17.933C13.8478 17.9155 14.0448 17.9687 14.2015 18.0818L14.2748 18.1422L15.9297 19.6868C16.3587 20.0895 16.9389 20.3204 17.5472 20.3305C18.1556 20.3406 18.7442 20.1291 19.1883 19.7409C19.6323 19.3526 19.8969 18.8182 19.9258 18.251C19.9547 17.6837 19.7457 17.1283 19.3432 16.7025L19.2379 16.5984L17.0324 14.54C16.8152 14.3372 16.5572 14.1763 16.2733 14.0665C15.9895 13.9568 15.6852 13.9003 15.3779 13.9003C15.0707 13.9003 14.7664 13.9568 14.4825 14.0665C14.1986 14.1763 13.9407 14.3372 13.7234 14.54C13.5771 14.6764 13.3787 14.7531 13.1718 14.753C12.9649 14.7529 12.7666 14.6762 12.6203 14.5396C12.4741 14.403 12.392 14.2178 12.392 14.0247C12.3921 13.8316 12.4744 13.6465 12.6207 13.51ZM7.65763 8.87781C8.36508 8.21758 9.31735 7.83639 10.3175 7.81309C11.3176 7.78978 12.2891 8.12615 13.0309 8.75262L13.1721 8.87781L14.8262 10.4231C14.966 10.5541 15.0472 10.7298 15.0533 10.9147C15.0593 11.0995 14.9898 11.2796 14.8587 11.4183C14.7277 11.557 14.545 11.644 14.3477 11.6615C14.1505 11.679 13.9535 11.6258 13.7967 11.5127L13.7234 11.4523L12.0693 9.90848C11.6396 9.51001 11.061 9.28264 10.4554 9.27419C9.84967 9.26575 9.26408 9.47689 8.82179 9.8632C8.3795 10.2495 8.11498 10.7809 8.08389 11.3455C8.0528 11.9101 8.25756 12.464 8.65508 12.8906L8.76037 12.9954L10.9666 15.0546C11.4054 15.4639 12.0003 15.6939 12.6207 15.6939C13.2411 15.6939 13.8361 15.4639 14.2748 15.0546C14.3472 14.9869 14.4332 14.9333 14.5278 14.8967C14.6224 14.8601 14.7239 14.8412 14.8263 14.8412C14.9287 14.8411 15.0302 14.8599 15.1248 14.8965C15.2195 14.933 15.3055 14.9866 15.3779 15.0542C15.4504 15.1218 15.5079 15.202 15.5471 15.2903C15.5863 15.3787 15.6066 15.4733 15.6066 15.5689C15.6066 15.6645 15.5865 15.7592 15.5473 15.8475C15.5082 15.9359 15.4507 16.0162 15.3783 16.0838C14.6709 16.744 13.7186 17.1252 12.7185 17.1485C11.7184 17.1718 10.7469 16.8354 10.005 16.209L9.8631 16.0838L7.65763 14.0246C6.92662 13.3421 6.51596 12.4166 6.51596 11.4516C6.51596 10.4865 6.92662 9.5603 7.65763 8.87781Z" fill="black"></path></svg></span></div></div></div><p class="head_es-publish-date__Igs8A">Sep 24, 2026 | 4:02 AM EDT</p></div></div></div></div><div class="head_desktop_head__b0tT2"><div class="breadcrumb_es-brand-breadcrumb__EMODK hug-text"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/">Home</a><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="6" height="11" viewB
45ox="0 0 6 11" fill="none"><path d="M0.759206 0.650879L4.63916 5.17749L0.759206 9.7041" stroke="#0A7DFA" stroke-width="2"></path></svg><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/boxing/">Boxing</a></div><div class="head_es-metadata__ynmYM"><h1>The Search for the Third Man in Tennisâ New Big 3</h1><a href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=essentiallysports.com" class="google-perference_googlePerference__h94ae" aria-disabled="false"><img src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/google-image.png" alt="google_perference"/><p class="hug-text">Add us on Google</p><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="10" height="10" viewBox="0 0 10 10" fill="none"><path d="M4.96562 9.93153C4.56836 9.93153 4.25623 9.6194 4.25623 9.22214V0.709395C4.25623 0.312134 4.56836 0 4.96562 0C5.36288 0 5.67502 0.312134 5.67502 0.709395V9.22214C5.67502 9.6194 5.36288 9.93153 4.96562 9.93153Z" fill="white"></path><path d="M9.22214 5.67517H0.709395C0.312134 5.67517 0 5.36303 0 4.96577C0 4.56851 0.312134 4.25638 0.709395 4.25638H9.22214C9.6194 4.25638 9.93153 4.56851 9.93153 4.96577C9.93153 5.36303 9.6194 5.67517 9.22214 5.67517Z" fill="white"></path></svg></a><div><div class="head_es-meta-content__mZbEO"><div class="head_es-brand-author-container__dc6G9"><div class="head_es-brand-author__Q1Td_"><span class="head_es-brand-author-name__S0qta"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/author/soumya-bontra/">Soumya Bontra</a></span><div><a class="brand-social-links_link___lTjX" href="https://twitter.com/@SoumyaBontra" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg width="27" height="27" viewBox="0 0 27 27" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect width="26.5774" height="26.5774" rx="5.55643" fill="transparent"></rect><path d="M17.1243 7.4184L13.7044 11.3277L10.7473 7.4184H6.46289L11.5811 14.1103L6.73054 19.6542H8.80738L12.551 15.376L15.823 19.6542H20L14.6648 12.6009L19.1998 7.4184H17.1243ZM16.396 18.4118L8.88747 8.59509H10.1217L17.546 18.4111L16.396 18.4118Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a></div></div><div class="head_es-share-container__J1bhz"><p class="head_es-share-text__w5bcF">Share:</p><div class="head_es-share__2Op0E"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.essentiallysports.com%2Ftennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/?utm_source=facebook_share&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=article_head" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="" aria-disabled="false"><svg width="29" height="29" viewBox="0 0 29 29" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" fill="white"></rect><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.24779"></rect><path d="M17.782 12.1322H15.1467V11.2612C15.1467 9.95806 15.6563 9.45813 16.9789 9.45813C17.3885 9.45813 17.7207 9.46776 17.9111 9.48714V7.25175C17.5498 7.1517 16.6692 7.05176 16.1595 7.05176C13.4661 7.05176 12.2242 8.32265 12.2242 11.0677V12.129H10.5598V14.5935H12.2242V22.3061H15.1498V14.5966H17.3305L17.782 12.1322Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M15.1467 12.1322H17.782L17.3305 14.5966H15.1498V22.3061H12.2242V14.5935H10.5598V12.129H12.2242V11.0677C12.2242 8.32265 13.4661 7.05176 16.1595 7.05176C16.6692 7.05176 17.5498 7.1517 17.9111 7.25175V9.48714C17.7207 9.46776 17.3885 9.45813 16.9789 9.45813C15.6563 9.45813 15.1467 9.95806 15.1467 11.2612V12.1322Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three&text=The Search for the Third Man in Tennisâ New Big 3&via=es_sportsnews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="head_twitter-share__PqZCx" aria-disabled="false"><svg width="29" height="29" viewBox="0 0 29 29" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" fill="white"></rect><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.24779"></rect><path d="M18.196 8.42059L14.7761 12.3299L11.819 8.42059H7.53455L12.6527 15.1125L7.80219 20.6564H9.87903L13.6227 16.3782L16.8947 20.6564H21.0716L15.7365 13.6031L20.2714 8.42059H18.196ZM17.4676 19.414L9.95912 9.59729H11.1933L18.6176 19.4133L17.4676 19.414Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><div><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 18 18" fill="none"><circle cx="9" cy="9" r="9" fill="#4ECE91"></circle><path d="M5.37109 8.89005L7.8627 11.3816L12.6259 6.61841" stroke="#0E7E48" stroke-width="1.14116" stroke-linecap="square"></path></svg>Link Copied!</div><span class="" aria-disabled="false" title="Copy link"><svg width="29" height="29" viewBox="0 0 29 29" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" fill="white"></rect><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.24779"></rect><path d="M12.6207 13.51C13.3282 12.8498 14.2804 12.4686 15.2805 12.4453C16.2807 12.422 17.2521 12.7584 17.994 13.3848L18.1352 13.51L20.3406 15.5692C21.0589 16.2408 21.4677 17.1476 21.48 18.0965C21.4922 19.0454 21.1069 19.9612 20.4062 20.6487C19.7054 21.3362 18.7447 21.7411 17.7287 21.7771C16.7127 21.813 15.7219 21.4772 14.9673 20.8412L14.827 20.716L13.1721 19.1714C13.0322 19.0404 12.951 18.8647 12.945 18.6798C12.9389 18.495 13.0085 18.3
45149 13.1395 18.1762C13.2706 18.0375 13.4533 17.9506 13.6505 17.933C13.8478 17.9155 14.0448 17.9687 14.2015 18.0818L14.2748 18.1422L15.9297 19.6868C16.3587 20.0895 16.9389 20.3204 17.5472 20.3305C18.1556 20.3406 18.7442 20.1291 19.1883 19.7409C19.6323 19.3526 19.8969 18.8182 19.9258 18.251C19.9547 17.6837 19.7457 17.1283 19.3432 16.7025L19.2379 16.5984L17.0324 14.54C16.8152 14.3372 16.5572 14.1763 16.2733 14.0665C15.9895 13.9568 15.6852 13.9003 15.3779 13.9003C15.0707 13.9003 14.7664 13.9568 14.4825 14.0665C14.1986 14.1763 13.9407 14.3372 13.7234 14.54C13.5771 14.6764 13.3787 14.7531 13.1718 14.753C12.9649 14.7529 12.7666 14.6762 12.6203 14.5396C12.4741 14.403 12.392 14.2178 12.392 14.0247C12.3921 13.8316 12.4744 13.6465 12.6207 13.51ZM7.65763 8.87781C8.36508 8.21758 9.31735 7.83639 10.3175 7.81309C11.3176 7.78978 12.2891 8.12615 13.0309 8.75262L13.1721 8.87781L14.8262 10.4231C14.966 10.5541 15.0472 10.7298 15.0533 10.9147C15.0593 11.0995 14.9898 11.2796 14.8587 11.4183C14.7277 11.557 14.545 11.644 14.3477 11.6615C14.1505 11.679 13.9535 11.6258 13.7967 11.5127L13.7234 11.4523L12.0693 9.90848C11.6396 9.51001 11.061 9.28264 10.4554 9.27419C9.84967 9.26575 9.26408 9.47689 8.82179 9.8632C8.3795 10.2495 8.11498 10.7809 8.08389 11.3455C8.0528 11.9101 8.25756 12.464 8.65508 12.8906L8.76037 12.9954L10.9666 15.0546C11.4054 15.4639 12.0003 15.6939 12.6207 15.6939C13.2411 15.6939 13.8361 15.4639 14.2748 15.0546C14.3472 14.9869 14.4332 14.9333 14.5278 14.8967C14.6224 14.8601 14.7239 14.8412 14.8263 14.8412C14.9287 14.8411 15.0302 14.8599 15.1248 14.8965C15.2195 14.933 15.3055 14.9866 15.3779 15.0542C15.4504 15.1218 15.5079 15.202 15.5471 15.2903C15.5863 15.3787 15.6066 15.4733 15.6066 15.5689C15.6066 15.6645 15.5865 15.7592 15.5473 15.8475C15.5082 15.9359 15.4507 16.0162 15.3783 16.0838C14.6709 16.744 13.7186 17.1252 12.7185 17.1485C11.7184 17.1718 10.7469 16.8354 10.005 16.209L9.8631 16.0838L7.65763 14.0246C6.92662 13.3421 6.51596 12.4166 6.51596 11.4516C6.51596 10.4865 6.92662 9.5603 7.65763 8.87781Z" fill="black"></path></svg></span></div></div></div><p class="head_es-publish-date__Igs8A">Sep 24, 2026 | 4:02 AM EDT</p></div></div></div></div><div class="head_es-featured-image__Aa1AW"><figure><div class="head_es-featured-image-container__TmdRv" style="position:relative;width:auto;max-width:100vw;height:280px;aspect-ratio:3/2"><img src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jannik-Sinner-Carlos-Alcaraz-1.png" alt="feature-image" fetchPriority="high" loading="eager" style="object-fit:cover;object-position:center;width:100%;height:100%"/><figcaption><p id="shortCaptionMessage">Imago</p><p id="longCaptionMessage" hidden="">Image credit: imago</p><span tabindex="0" role="button"><svg width="14" height="14" viewBox="0 0 14 14" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="margin-right:10px"><g clip-path="url(#clip0_410_56530)"><path d="M7.0013 12.8334C10.223 12.8334 12.8346 10.2217 12.8346 7.00008C12.8346 3.77842 10.223 1.16675 7.0013 1.16675C3.77964 1.16675 1.16797 3.77842 1.16797 7.00008C1.16797 10.2217 3.77964 12.8334 7.0013 12.8334Z" stroke="white" stroke-width="1.5" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path><path d="M7 9.33333V7" stroke="white" stroke-width="1.5" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path><path d="M7 4.66675H7.00667" stroke="white" stroke-width="1.5" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path></g><defs><clipPath id="clip0_410_56530"><rect width="14" height="14" fill="white"></rect></clipPath></defs></svg></span></figcaption></div></figure></div><div class="head_es-featured-image-desktop__pa0h3"><figure><div class="head_es-featured-image-container__TmdRv" style="position:relative;width:auto;height:300px;aspect-ratio:3/2"><img src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jannik-Sinner-Carlos-Alcaraz-1.png" alt="feature-image" fetchPriority="high" loading="eager" style="object-fit:cover;object-position:center;width:100%;height:100%;border-radius:12px"/><figcaption style="border-radius:0 0 12px 12px"><p id="shortCaptionMessage">Imago</p><p id="longCaptionMessage" hidden="">Image credit: imago</p><span tabindex="0" role="button"><svg width="14" height="14" viewBox="0 0 14 14" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="margin-right:10px"><g clip-path="url(#clip0_410_56530)"><path d="M7.0013 12.8334C10.223 12.8334 12.8346 10.2217 12.8346 7.00008C12.8346 3.77842 10.223 1.16675 7.0013 1.16675C3.77964 1.16675 1.16797 3.77842 1.16797 7.00008C1.16797 10.2217 3.77964 12.8334 7.0013 12.8334Z" stroke="white" stroke-width="1.5" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path><path d="M7 9.33333V7" stroke="white" stroke-width="1.5" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path><path d="M7 4.66675H7.00667" stroke="white" stroke-width="1.5" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path></g><defs><clipPath id="clip0_410_56530"><rect width="14" height="14" fill="white"></rect></clipPath></defs></svg></span></figcaption></div></figure></div></div><div class="head_separator__3iLJk"></div></div><section><div><div><article class="body_container__rC6jq"><p>Currently, Menâs tennis is mainly dominated by two players, <strong>Carlos Alcaraz </strong>and <strong>Jannik Sinner</strong>. Having shared dominance over Grand Slam titles and maintained top spots on the ATP Tour rankings, they have etched their name as two of the greats of tennis. However, when tennis fans try to draw parallels with the Big Three, who have dominated tennis for over two decades, commentators and spectators continue to look for the third player to join the coveted list. </p><div id="player_stn-player__Dybik"><p class="player_stn-heading__CeYKZ">Watch Whatâs Trending Now!</p><div class="player_s2nPlayer-container__kO0Xr"><div class="player_s2nPlayer-inner-container__Zc5_R player_shimmer-effect__ZXI2F"><div class="s2nPlayer k-false" data-type="float"></div></div></div></div><div id="scroll-1"></div><p>And most believe that for the current generation of players, that level is hard to match.</p><div class="adRealEstate_brand-ad-space__GhXw8"><p data-article="false">ADVERTISEMENT</p><div data-height-400="false" data-background="true" class="adRealEstate_ad-container__3sqcw" id="ads-realestate-mm_tennis_bf1_m"></div></div><h2>What Is Needed to Become the Big Three?</h2><p>The original members of the Big Three â Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic â did not achieve their status because they ranked at the top of the ATP list. Instead, they defined an entire era by maintaining a high level of dominance throughout. To be tagged as the modern Big Three, a player must meet a very strict standard of expertise that goes well beyond simply reaching deep in tournaments. A genuine contender needs to win Grand Slam titles in direct matches against the worldâs best players. At the same time maintain a constant presence in the later stages of ATP Masters 1000 events on all surfaces. </p><div id="scroll-2"></div><p>Above all, against the top stars, players need to execute strong performances in high-pressure, five-set matches. To build such dominance, it is important to remain within the top five for consecutive seasons rather than brief peri
45ods of good form. All while fighting the physical and mental strain of staying at the top every season. This later results in worldwide recognition and promotes the international popularity of the sport, besides their own on-court achievements.</p><div class="adRealEstate_brand-ad-space__GhXw8"><p data-article="false">ADVERTISEMENT</p><div data-height-400="false" data-background="true" class="adRealEstate_ad-container__3sqcw" id="ads-realestate-mm_tennis_poll_m"></div></div><p>When evaluating whether anyone currently compares with Sinner and Alcaraz, former world No. 9 Fabio Fognini made an honest statement. <a href="https://en.tennistemple.com/actu/fogninis-verdict-on-alcaraz-sinner-rivalry-the/jD9A?utm_source=gemini">He said</a>, âThe famous third man to rival Alcaraz and Sinner? For now, he doesnât exist. The issue is that to compete with Jannik and Carlos, you need consistency in performances and results that no one else achieves: they can lose in a single tournament, but over an entire season, they are untouchable.â</p><div class="adRealEstate_brand-ad-space__GhXw8"><p data-article="false">ADVERTISEMENT</p><div data-height-400="false" data-background="true" class="adRealEstate_ad-container__3sqcw" id="ads-realestate-mm_tennis_bf2_m"></div></div><div id="scroll-3"></div><h2>Is Zverev the most obvious choice?</h2><div id="h2-checkpoint" style="margin:-1px"></div><p>On-paper records suggest that Alexander Zverev has the best background of all the players currently in the competition. He has spent hundreds of weeks in the top five, won several Masters 1000 titles, and also won two ATP Finals. However, although he frequently finishes at the top of the draw, his Grand Slam record is a disadvantage. He has now won the US Open and Roland Garros titles, but in the absence of Sinner and Alcaraz.</p><div class="adRealEstate_brand-ad-space__GhXw8"><p data-article="false">ADVERTISEMENT</p><div data-height-400="false" data-background="true" class="adRealEstate_ad-container__3sqcw" id="ads-realestate-mm_tennis_bf3_m"></div></div><p>Zverev himself admitted that there is a technical gap between him and the top two players. âI still think Carlos and Jannik do things a lot better than me. I do believe that. I think there are certain things I can improve on. I serve better than both of them probably, but I am 6ft 6. Carlos canât just grow six more inches. But there are certain things that they do better that I can improve, and itâs not just something physical, like height,â he confessed.</p><div id="scroll-4"></div><h2>Does Ben Shelton have potential?</h2><p>Ben Shelton has powerful weapons and a charismatic personality that tennis enthusiasts expect to see in a world-class superstar. His strong left-handed serve, aggressive play, and natural ability to entertain the crowd make him a highly exciting figure on court. Shelton possesses the ability to beat anyone on any given day. But to become a member of that elite trio, he must show the necessary weekly consistency. He still faces difficulty in his return games and rallies against strong players. Although his potential shows he could reach several major semis, he needs greater consistency in tournaments on European clay and on slower surfaces.</p><div class="adRealEstate_brand-ad-space__GhXw8"><p data-article="false">ADVERTISEMENT</p><div data-height-400="false" data-background="true" class="adRealEstate_ad-container__3sqcw" id="ads-realestate-mm_tennis_eof2_m"></div></div><h2>What about the next wave?</h2><p>If the current generation cannot fill the vacancy, the answer may come from the tourâs rising prospects.</p><div class="adRealEstate_brand-ad-space__GhXw8"><p data-article="false">ADVERTISEMENT</p><div data-height-400="false" data-background="true" class="adRealEstate_ad-container__3sqcw" id="ads-realestate-mm_tennis_in1_m"></div></div><div id="scroll-5"></div><p>Jakub Mensik: The tall Czech combines a powerful serve with surprisingly agile movement from the baseline. He has the modern baseline game needed to beat top-level defenders.</p><p>Joao Fonseca: The Brazilian has electric ball-striking and a very powerful forehand. He showcases an extremely aggressive style similar to a young Alcaraz, although he needs to improve his physical stability if he is to cope with five-set Grand Slam matches.</p><div class="adRealEstate_brand-ad-space__GhXw8"><p data-article="false">ADVERTISEMENT</p><div data-height-400="false" data-background="true" class="adRealEstate_ad-container__3sqcw" id="ads-realestate-mm_tennis_in2_m"></div></div><p>Arthur Fils: The consistent Frenchman has a high level of athleticism and is capable of taking powerful shots. Fils is one of the most promising youngster
45s, working on his decision-making skills and improving his shots under pressure.</p><p>Flavio Cobolli: One of the most emerging names in the game, he has a strong competitive spirit and excellent court coverage. Although he is making the most of his athletic ability, currently he lacks the powerful serve that is necessary for him to beat the best players more often.</p><p>Learner Tien: The American left-hander makes the most of his high tennis intelligence, precise placement, and ability for unexpected comebacks. However, in order to challenge players like Sinner, Tien will have to win more free points with his serving and stay consistent.</p><div class="adRealEstate_brand-ad-space__GhXw8"><p data-article="false">ADVERTISEMENT</p><div data-height-400="false" data-background="true" class="adRealEstate_ad-container__3sqcw" id="ads-realestate-mm_tennis_in3_m"></div></div><h2>Does the third player need to defeat Alcaraz and Sinner often?</h2><p>A player doesnât need an undefeated record against Alcaraz and Sinner, but they must present an immediate and ongoing threat. Djokovic did not break the monopoly of Federer and Nadal by staying at number three. Instead, he broke it by defeating both of them in the major finals. If a player loses eight times out of every ten matches when facing the top two, the situation still amounts to a two-horse race with an intermittent spoiler. The third player needs to defeat both Alcaraz and Sinner in best-of-five matches at the Grand Slams to disrupt their dominance on the sportâs most important events.</p><h2>Does the Big 3 tag exist anymore?</h2><p>The fact that they are looking for a third player shows how much tennis is obsessed with history. The period featuring Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic was a one-off situationâthree players from different generations between them winning more than 60 Grand Slams over a span of two decades.</p><div class="adRealEstate_brand-ad-space__GhXw8"><p data-article="false">ADVERTISEMENT</p><div data-height-400="false" data-background="true" class="adRealEstate_ad-container__3sqcw" id="ads-realestate-mm_tennis_in4_m"></div></div><p>At the moment, menâs tennis has no Big Three, probably only a Big Two â Alcaraz and Sinner. They have raised the standard technically through their speed and aggressive yet composed game of tennis. As long as an ambitious rival does not match their standard of play, win Grand Slam titles, and regularly defeat them in the final matches, the position will remain with the two stars.</p></article><div id="scroll-6"></div><div class="adRealEstate_brand-ad-space__GhXw8"><p data-article="false">ADVERTISEMENT</p><div data-height-400="false" data-background="true" class="adRealEstate_ad-container__3sqcw" id="ads-realestate-mm_tennis_bf4_m"></div></div><div style="margin-top:20px"><div class="adRealEstate_brand-ad-space__GhXw8"><p data-article="false">ADVERTISEMENT</p><div data-height-400="false" data-background="true" class="adRealEstate_ad-container__3sqcw" id="ads-realestate-mm_tennis_comment_m"></div></div></div><div class="adRealEstate_brand-ad-space__GhXw8"><p data-article="false">ADVERTISEMENT</p><div data-height-400="false" data-background="true" class="adRealEstate_ad-container__3sqcw" id="ads-realestate-mm_tennis_eof1_m"></div></div><div style="min-height:380px"></div></div><div class="related-stories_container__at6h1"><div><div class="adRealEstate_brand-ad-space__GhXw8"><div data-height-400="false" data-background="true" class="adRealEstate_ad-container__3sqcw" id="ads-realestate-mm_tennis_sidebar_d"></div></div></div></div></div></section><div class="sticky-footer-ad_es-footer-ad__t3Hw5"><div class="adRealEstate_brand-ad-space__GhXw8"><div data-height-400="false" data-background="false" class="adRealEstate_ad-container__3sqcw" id="ads-realestate-mm_tennis_sticky_footer_m"></div></div></div><div id="g_login_container" style="position:absolute;top:10px;right:30px;z-index:1001"></div><footer class="footer_footer__UBABY" role="contentinfo"><div class="footer_topBand__VY_5P"><div class="footer_topInner__vZZIr"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/" class="footer_brandBox__QrStq" aria-label="EssentiallySports home"><img src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/essentially_logo.png" alt="ESSENTIALLYSPORTS" class="footer_brandLogo__dq2vo"/></a><div><p class="footer_companyDesc__x5Bjs">EssentiallySports is a sports media platform built for modern fandom and culture, giving equal coverage to the overlooked and the mainstream.</p></div><div class="footer_socialRow__x3900" aria-label="Social links"><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/essentiallysports" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none">
45<rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><path d="M16.9789 11.1706H14.466V10.34C14.466 9.09741 14.952 8.62071 16.2131 8.62071C16.6037 8.62071 16.9205 8.6299 17.102 8.64837V6.51687C16.7575 6.42147 15.9178 6.32617 15.4318 6.32617C12.8635 6.32617 11.6794 7.538 11.6794 10.1555V11.1674H10.0923V13.5174H11.6794V20.8716H14.4691V13.5204H16.5484L16.9789 11.1706Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M14.466 11.1706H16.9789L16.5484 13.5204H14.4691V20.8716H11.6794V13.5174H10.0923V11.1674H11.6794V10.1555C11.6794 7.538 12.8635 6.32617 15.4318 6.32617C15.9178 6.32617 16.7575 6.42147 17.102 6.51687V8.64837C16.9205 8.6299 16.6037 8.62071 16.2131 8.62071C14.952 8.62071 14.466 9.09741 14.466 10.34V11.1706Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/es_sportsnews/" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg width="29" height="29" viewBox="0 0 29 29" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" fill="white"></rect><rect x="0.623894" y="0.623894" width="27.4513" height="27.4513" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.24779"></rect><path d="M18.196 8.42059L14.7761 12.3299L11.819 8.42059H7.53455L12.6527 15.1125L7.80219 20.6564H9.87903L13.6227 16.3782L16.8947 20.6564H21.0716L15.7365 13.6031L20.2714 8.42059H18.196ZM17.4676 19.414L9.95912 9.59729H11.1933L18.6176 19.4133L17.4676 19.414Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/essentiallysportsmedia" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none"><rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><path d="M13.5885 7.12744C11.8328 7.12744 11.6125 7.13512 10.9229 7.1665C10.2347 7.19801 9.76491 7.30697 9.35387 7.46684C8.92868 7.63195 8.56801 7.85283 8.20868 8.21229C7.84908 8.57162 7.62821 8.93229 7.46255 9.35734C7.30228 9.76852 7.19319 10.2384 7.16221 10.9264C7.13137 11.6159 7.12329 11.8364 7.12329 13.5921C7.12329 15.3478 7.1311 15.5675 7.16235 16.257C7.194 16.9452 7.30295 17.415 7.46269 17.826C7.62794 18.2512 7.84881 18.6119 8.20828 18.9712C8.56747 19.3308 8.92814 19.5522 9.35306 19.7174C9.76437 19.8772 10.2343 19.9862 10.9224 20.0177C11.6119 20.0491 11.8321 20.0568 13.5877 20.0568C15.3435 20.0568 15.5632 20.0491 16.2527 20.0177C16.941 19.9862 17.4113 19.8772 17.8226 19.7174C18.2476 19.5522 18.6078 19.3308 18.9669 18.9712C19.3265 18.6119 19.5474 18.2512 19.7131 17.8262C19.872 17.415 19.9811 16.9451 20.0134 16.2572C20.0444 15.5676 20.0525 15.3478 20.0525 13.5921C20.0525 11.8364 20.0444 11.6161 20.0134 10.9265C19.9811 10.2383 19.872 9.76852 19.7131 9.35748C19.5474 8.93229 19.3265 8.57162 18.9669 8.21229C18.6074 7.8527 18.2478 7.63182 17.8222 7.46684C17.41 7.30697 16.94 7.19801 16.2518 7.1665C15.5622 7.13512 15.3427 7.12744 13.5865 7.12744H13.5885ZM13.0086 8.29243C13.1807 8.29216 13.3727 8.29243 13.5885 8.29243C15.3146 8.29243 15.5191 8.29862 16.2007 8.3296C16.8311 8.35842 17.1731 8.46374 17.401 8.55223C17.7027 8.6694 17.9178 8.80946 18.1439 9.03573C18.3702 9.26199 18.5102 9.47748 18.6277 9.77916C18.7162 10.0068 18.8216 10.3489 18.8503 10.9792C18.8813 11.6606 18.888 11.8654 18.888 13.5906C18.888 15.3159 18.8813 15.5206 18.8503 16.2021C18.8215 16.8324 18.7162 17.1745 18.6277 17.4021C18.5105 17.7038 18.3702 17.9186 18.1439 18.1447C17.9177 18.371 17.7028 18.511 17.401 18.6282C17.1734 18.7171 16.8311 18.8221 16.2007 18.851C15.5193 18.8819 15.3146 18.8887 13.5885 18.8887C11.8623 18.8887 11.6577 18.8819 10.9762 18.851C10.3459 18.8219 10.0038 18.7166 9.77582 18.6281C9.47414 18.5109 9.25865 18.3708 9.03239 18.1446C8.80612 17.9183 8.66605 17.7034 8.54861 17.4015C8.46013 17.1739 8.35467 16.8318 8.32599 16.2015C8.29501 15.52 8.28881 15.3153 8.28881 13.589C8.28881 11.8627 8.29501 11.659 8.32599 10.9775C8.35481 10.3472 8.46013 10.0052 8.54861 9.77728C8.66579 9.47559 8.80612 9.2601 9.03239 9.03384C9.25865 8.80758 9.47414 8.66751 9.77582 8.55007C10.0037 8.46118 10.3459 8.35613 10.9762 8.32717C11.5726 8.30024 11.8037 8.29216 13.0086 8.29081V8.29243ZM17.0393 9.36583C16.611 9.36583 16.2635 9.7129 16.2635 10.1413C16.2635 10.5696 16.611 10.9171 17.0393 10.9171C17.4676 10.9171 17.815 10.5696 17.815 10.1413C17.815 9.71304 17.4676 9.36556 17.0393 9.36556V9.36583ZM13.5885 10.2722C11.7551 10.2722 10.2686 11.7587 10.2686 13.5921C10.2686 15.4255 11.7551 16.9113 13.5885 16.9113C15.4219 16.9113 16.9078 15.4255 16.9078 13.5921C16.9078 11.7587 15.4219 10.2722 13.5885 10.2722ZM13.5885 11.4372C14.7785 11.4372 15.7434 12.4019 15.7434 13.5921C15.7434 14.7821 14.7785 15.747 13.5885 15.747C12.3983 15.747 11.4336 14.7821 11.4336 13.5921C11.4336 12.4019 12.3983 11.4372 13.5885 11.4372Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/essentially-sports" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none">
45<rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M20.0643 20.0519H17.4078V15.5271C17.4078 14.2866 16.9364 13.5933 15.9545 13.5933C14.8863 13.5933 14.3282 14.3148 14.3282 15.5271V20.0519H11.768V11.4323H14.3282V12.5934C14.3282 12.5934 15.098 11.169 16.9271 11.169C18.7554 11.169 20.0643 12.2855 20.0643 14.5945V20.0519ZM8.71372 10.3037C7.84166 10.3037 7.13501 9.59148 7.13501 8.71311C7.13501 7.83475 7.84166 7.12256 8.71372 7.12256C9.58577 7.12256 10.292 7.83475 10.292 8.71311C10.292 9.59148 9.58577 10.3037 8.71372 10.3037ZM7.39174 20.0519H10.0614V11.4323H7.39174V20.0519Z" fill="black"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@EssentiallySportsMedia" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none"><rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><path d="M13.58 18.3393C13.58 18.3393 17.8835 18.3393 18.9509 18.0551C19.5519 17.894 20.0039 17.4298 20.1626 16.8566C20.4559 15.805 20.4559 13.5928 20.4559 13.5928C20.4559 13.5928 20.4559 11.3948 20.1626 10.3527C20.0039 9.76527 19.5519 9.31052 18.9509 9.15419C17.8835 8.86523 13.58 8.86523 13.58 8.86523C13.58 8.86523 9.28615 8.86523 8.22351 9.15419C7.63209 9.31052 7.17049 9.76527 7.0022 10.3527C6.71851 11.3948 6.71851 13.5928 6.71851 13.5928C6.71851 13.5928 6.71851 15.805 7.0022 16.8566C7.17049 17.4298 7.63209 17.894 8.22351 18.0551C9.28615 18.3393 13.58 18.3393 13.58 18.3393Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M15.7247 13.6016L12.1719 11.5884V15.6149L15.7247 13.6016Z" fill="white"></path></svg></a><a class="social-adapter_anchor__loEWP" target="_blank" href="https://g.co/kgs/YnkMpk5" rel="noreferrer noopener"><svg width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect x="0.73663" y="0.73663" width="25.7155" height="25.7155" fill="white" stroke="black" stroke-width="1.47303"></rect><g clip-path="url(#clip0_4193_4500)"><mask id="mask0_4193_4500" style="mask-type:luminance" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="7" y="8" width="13" height="13"><path d="M19.4128 8.29395H7.09033V20.865H19.4128V8.29395Z" fill="white"></path></mask><g mask="url(#mask0_4193_4500)"><path d="M19.4093 14.7261C19.4093 14.2987 19.3748 13.8692 19.3009 13.4487H13.3723V15.8689H16.7675C16.6266 16.6498 16.1736 17.3403 15.5108 17.7788V19.349H17.536C18.7257 18.2546 19.4093 16.6381 19.4093 14.7261Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M13.3779 20.8609C15.073 20.8609 16.5031 20.3044 17.5443 19.3432L15.5191 17.773C14.9557 18.1563 14.2279 18.3738 13.3807 18.3738C11.7407 18.3738 10.3508 17.2676 9.85155 15.7803H7.76074V17.3995C8.82755 19.522 11.0012 20.8609 13.3779 20.8609Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M9.84841 15.7809C9.58533 15 9.58533 14.1548 9.84841 13.3746V11.7554H7.76037C6.86894 13.5313 6.86894 15.6242 7.76037 17.4001L9.84841 15.7809Z" fill="black"></path><path d="M13.3779 10.7801C14.2741 10.7663 15.14 11.1032 15.7891 11.7226L17.5837 9.928C16.4471 8.86119 14.9391 8.27427 13.3779 8.29291C11.0012 8.29291 8.82824 9.63247 7.76074 11.7571L9.84879 13.3763C10.3453 11.8869 11.738 10.7801 13.3779 10.7801Z" fill="black"></path></g><path d="M17.0797 5.17915L16.9257 5.01758L16.7717 5.17915L16.1565 5.82476L15.2699 5.72533L15.0483 5.70047L15.0344 5.92281L14.9785 6.81286L14.2355 7.30656L14.0498 7.43016L14.1824 7.60968L14.7113 8.3278L14.46 9.18331L14.3971 9.39737L14.6139 9.44984L15.4805 9.65975L15.8375 10.4773L15.9266 10.6817L16.1261 10.5823L16.925 10.1859L17.7239 10.5823L17.9235 10.6817L18.0125 10.4773L18.3695 9.65975L19.2361 9.44984L19.4529 9.39737L19.3901 9.18331L19.1387 8.3278L19.6676 7.60968L19.8002 7.43016L19.6145 7.30656L18.8715 6.81286L18.8156 5.92281L18.8018 5.70047L18.5801 5.72533L17.6935 5.82476L17.0783 5.17915H17.0797Z" fill="black" stroke="white" stroke-width="0.621213" stroke-miterlimit="2.462"></path><path d="M15.845 8.17479L16.4816 8.81142L17.9185 7.37451" stroke="white" stroke-width="0.623233" stroke-miterlimit="2.462"></path></g><defs><clipPath id="clip0_4193_4500"><rect width="13.0144" height="16.1616" fill="white" transform="translate(7.08447 4.70801)"></rect></clipPath></defs></svg></a></div><p class="footer_copy__Zu27b">EssentiallySports Media, Inc. @ 2026 | All Rights Reserved</p></div></div><div class="footer_bottomBand__qoY_u"><div class="footer_bottomInner__WaOQk"><div class="footer_grid__mJ6P5"><div class="footer-list-anchor_col__gJ7DK "><p class="footer-list-anchor_title__qNxNL">EssentiallySports</p><ul class="footer-list-anchor_list__09WdM"><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/about-us/" target="_self">About Us</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/advertise/" target="_self">Advertise</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/authors/" target="_self">Authors</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/editorial-team/" target="_self">Editorial Team</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/editorial-guidelines/" target="_self">Editorial Policies</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/es-pressroom/" target="_self">In The Press</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/contact-us/" target="_self">Contact Us</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/frequently-asked-questions/" target="_self">FAQs</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/privacy-policy/" target="_self">Privacy Policy</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/terms-of-use/" target="_self">Terms of Use</a></li></ul></div><div class="footer-list-anchor_col__gJ7DK "><p class="footer-list-anchor_title__qNxNL">Newsletters</p><ul class="footer-list-anchor_list__09WdM"><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://essentiallysports.beehiiv.com/" target="_self">Lucky Dog on Track</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://essentiallygolf.beehiiv.com/" target="_self">Essentially Golf</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://shegotgame.beehiiv.com/" target="_self">She Got Game</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://essentially-basketball.beehiiv.com/" target="_self">Essentially Dunk</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://essentiallyathletics.beehiiv.com/" target="_self">Essentially Athletics</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://the-nfl-huddle.beehiiv.com/" target="_self">The Huddle</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://chiefs-huddle.beehiiv.com/" target="_self">Chiefs Huddle</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://cowboys-huddle.beehiiv.com/" target="_self">Cowboys Huddle</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://steelers-huddle.beehiiv.com/" target="_self">Steelers Huddle</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://es-college-football.beehiiv.com/" target="_self">Essentially CFB</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://buckeye-daily.beehiiv.com/" target="_self">Buckeye Daily</a></li></ul></div><div class="footer_stackCol__JNhu_"><div class="footer-list-anchor_col__gJ7DK "><p class="footer-list-anchor_title__qNxNL">Podcasts</p><ul class="footer-list-anchor_list__09WdM"><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/think-tank/" target="_self">ES Think Tank</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/fancast/" target="_self">ES Fancast</a></li></ul></div><div class="footer-list-anchor_col__gJ7DK "><p class="footer-list-anchor_title__qNxNL">Events</p><ul class="footer-list-anchor_list__09WdM"><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wnba-all-star-2025-event/" target="_self">WNBA All-Star 2025</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-open-2025/" target="_self">US Open 2025</a></li></ul></div></div><div class="footer_sportsCol__l7xmR"><div class="footer-list-anchor_col__gJ7DK "><p class="footer-list-anchor_title__qNxNL">Sports</p><ul class="footer-list-anchor_list__09WdM"><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/" target="_self">All</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/boxing/" target="_self">Boxing</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/golf/" target="_self">Golf</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/" target="_self">NASCAR</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/" target="_self">NBA</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nfl/" target="_self">NFL</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/tennis/" target="_self">Tennis</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/ufc/" target="_self">UFC</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/wnba/" target="_self">WNBA</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/college-football/" target="_self">College Football</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/track-and-field/" target="_self">Track and Field</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/gymnastics/" target="_self">Gymnastics</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/olympics/" target="_self">Olympics</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/mlb/" target="_self">MLB</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/soccer/" target="_self">Soccer</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/swimming/" target="_self">Swimming</a></li><li class="footer-list-anchor_item__mbFBM"><a class="footer-anchor_link__OmyP9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nhl-nhl/" target="_self">NHL</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="footer_bottomRule__F_9Rm"></div><div class="footer_legalPagesContainer__whfww"><div class="footer_legalItem__Dkwtu"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/privacy-policy/"><p class="footer-legal-pg_legal-names__BaTfa">Privacy Policy</p></a></div><div class="footer_legalItem__Dkwtu"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/es-pressroom/"><p class="footer-legal-pg_legal-names__BaTfa">ES Pressroom</p></a></div><div class="footer_legalItem__Dkwtu"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/ethics-policy/"><p class="footer-legal-pg_legal-names__BaTfa">Ethics Policy</p></a></div><div class="footer_legalItem__Dkwtu"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/fact-checking-policy/"><p class="footer-legal-pg_legal-names__BaTfa">Fact-Checking Policy</p></a></div><div class="footer_legalItem__Dkwtu"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/corrections-policy/"><p class="footer-legal-pg_legal-names__BaTfa">Corrections Policy</p></a></div><div class="footer_legalItem__Dkwtu"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/cookies-policy/"><p class="footer-legal-pg_legal-names__BaTfa">Cookies Policy</p></a></div><div class="footer_legalItem__Dkwtu"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/gdpr-statement/"><p class="footer-legal-pg_legal-names__BaTfa">GDPR Compliance</p></a></div><div class="footer_legalItem__Dkwtu"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/terms-of-use/"><p class="footer-legal-pg_legal-names__BaTfa">Terms of Use</p></a></div><div class="footer_legalItem__Dkwtu"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/editorial-guidelines/"><p class="footer-legal-pg_legal-names__BaTfa">Editorial Guidelines</p></a></div><div class="footer_legalItem__Dkwtu"><a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/ownership-and-funding-information/"><p class="footer-legal-pg_legal-names__BaTfa">Ownership and funding Information</p></a></div></div></div></div></footer><noscript class="jsx-4059588894"><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-NBNFSZ6" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden" class="jsx-4059588894"></iframe></noscript></div>
45<script id="__NEXT_DATA__" type="application/json">{"props":{"pageProps":{"visualData":{"articleHeadProps":{"breadCrumbs":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Boxing","item":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/boxing/"}],"title":"The Search for the Third Man in Tennisâ New Big 3","newsletterTitle":"The Search for the Third Man in Tennisâ New Big 3","author":{"name":"Soumya Bontra","slug":"soumya-bontra","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumya-bontra-aa05aa16a/","https://twitter.com/@SoumyaBontra"]},"formattedDate":"Sep 24, 2026 | 4:02 AM EDT","featuredImage":{"url":"https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jannik-Sinner-Carlos-Alcaraz-1.png","width":1920,"height":1080,"caption":"Image credit: imago"}},"articleBodyProps":{"summary":null,"body":[{"children":[{"data":"Currently, Menâs tennis is mainly dominated by two players, ","type":"text"},{"children":[{"data":"Carlos Alcaraz ","type":"text"}],"name":"strong","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"data":"and ","type":"text"},{"children":[{"data":"Jannik Sinner","type":"text"}],"name":"strong","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"data":". Having shared dominance over Grand Slam titles and maintained top spots on the ATP Tour rankings, they have etched their name as two of the greats of tennis. However, when tennis fans try to draw parallels with the Big Three, who have dominated tennis for over two decades, commentators and spectators continue to look for the third player to join the coveted list. ","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"And most believe that for the current generation of players, that level is hard to match.","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"What Is Needed to Become the Big Three?","type":"text"}],"name":"h2","attribs":{"class":"wp-block-heading","id":"h-what-is-needed-to-become-the-big-three"},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"The original members of the Big Three â Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic â did not achieve their status because they ranked at the top of the ATP list. Instead, they defined an entire era by maintaining a high level of dominance throughout. To be tagged as the modern Big Three, a player must meet a very strict standard of expertise that goes well beyond simply reaching deep in tournaments. A genuine contender needs to win Grand Slam titles in direct matches against the worldâs best players. At the same time maintain a constant presence in the later stages of ATP Masters 1000 events on all surfaces. ","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"Above all, against the top stars, players need to execute strong performances in high-pressure, five-set matches. To build such dominance, it is important to remain within the top five for consecutive seasons rather than brief periods of good form. All while fighting the physical and mental strain of staying at the top every season. This later results in worldwide recognition and promotes the international popularity of the sport, besides their own on-court achievements.","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"When evaluating whether anyone currently compares with Sinner and Alcaraz, former world No. 9 Fabio Fognini made an honest statement. ","type":"text"},{"children":[{"data":"He said","type":"text"}],"name":"a","attribs":{"href":"https://en.tennistemple.com/actu/fogninis-verdict-on-alcaraz-sinner-rivalry-the/jD9A?utm_source=gemini"},"type":"tag"},{"data":", âThe famous third man to rival Alcaraz and Sinner? For now, he doesnât exist. The issue is that to compete with Jannik and Carlos, you need consistency in performances and results that no one else achieves: they can lose in a single tournament, but over an entire season, they are untouchable.â","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"Is Zverev the most obvious choice?","type":"text"}],"name":"h2","attribs":{"class":"wp-block-heading","id":"h-is-zverev-the-most-obvious-choice"},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"On-paper records suggest that Alexander Zverev has the best background of all the players currently in the competition. He has spent hundreds of weeks in the top five, won several Masters 1000 titles, and also won two ATP Finals. However, although he frequently finishes at the top of the draw, his Grand Slam record
45is a disadvantage. He has now won the US Open and Roland Garros titles, but in the absence of Sinner and Alcaraz.","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"Zverev himself admitted that there is a technical gap between him and the top two players. âI still think Carlos and Jannik do things a lot better than me. I do believe that. I think there are certain things I can improve on. I serve better than both of them probably, but I am 6ft 6. Carlos canât just grow six more inches. But there are certain things that they do better that I can improve, and itâs not just something physical, like height,â he confessed.","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"Does Ben Shelton have potential?","type":"text"}],"name":"h2","attribs":{"class":"wp-block-heading","id":"h-does-ben-shelton-have-potential"},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"Ben Shelton has powerful weapons and a charismatic personality that tennis enthusiasts expect to see in a world-class superstar. His strong left-handed serve, aggressive play, and natural ability to entertain the crowd make him a highly exciting figure on court. Shelton possesses the ability to beat anyone on any given day. But to become a member of that elite trio, he must show the necessary weekly consistency. He still faces difficulty in his return games and rallies against strong players. Although his potential shows he could reach several major semis, he needs greater consistency in tournaments on European clay and on slower surfaces.","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"What about the next wave?","type":"text"}],"name":"h2","attribs":{"class":"wp-block-heading","id":"h-what-about-the-next-wave"},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"If the current generation cannot fill the vacancy, the answer may come from the tourâs rising prospects.","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"Jakub Mensik: The tall Czech combines a powerful serve with surprisingly agile movement from the baseline. He has the modern baseline game needed to beat top-level defenders.","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"Joao Fonseca: The Brazilian has electric ball-striking and a very powerful forehand. He showcases an extremely aggressive style similar to a young Alcaraz, although he needs to improve his physical stability if he is to cope with five-set Grand Slam matches.","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"Arthur Fils: The consistent Frenchman has a high level of athleticism and is capable of taking powerful shots. Fils is one of the most promising youngsters, working on his decision-making skills and improving his shots under pressure.","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"Flavio Cobolli: One of the most emerging names in the game, he has a strong competitive spirit and excellent court coverage. Although he is making the most of his athletic ability, currently he lacks the powerful serve that is necessary for him to beat the best players more often.","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"Learner Tien: The American left-hander makes the most of his high tennis intelligence, precise placement, and ability for unexpected comebacks. However, in order to challenge players like Sinner, Tien will have to win more free points with his serving and stay consistent.","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"Does the third player need to defeat Alcaraz and Sinner often?","type":"text"}],"name":"h2","attribs":{"class":"wp-block-heading","id":"h-does-the-third-player-need-to-defeat-alcaraz-and-sinner-often"},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"A player doesnât need an undefeated record against Alcaraz and Sinner, but they must present an immediate and ongoing threat. Djokovic did not break the monopoly of Federer and Nadal by staying at number three. Instead, he broke it by defeating both of them in the major finals. If a player loses eight times out of every ten matches when facing the top two, the situation still amounts to a two-h
45orse race with an intermittent spoiler. The third player needs to defeat both Alcaraz and Sinner in best-of-five matches at the Grand Slams to disrupt their dominance on the sportâs most important events.","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"Does the Big 3 tag exist anymore?","type":"text"}],"name":"h2","attribs":{"class":"wp-block-heading","id":"h-does-the-big-3-tag-exist-anymore"},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"The fact that they are looking for a third player shows how much tennis is obsessed with history. The period featuring Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic was a one-off situationâthree players from different generations between them winning more than 60 Grand Slams over a span of two decades.","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"},{"children":[{"data":"At the moment, menâs tennis has no Big Three, probably only a Big Two â Alcaraz and Sinner. They have raised the standard technically through their speed and aggressive yet composed game of tennis. As long as an ambitious rival does not match their standard of play, win Grand Slam titles, and regularly defeat them in the final matches, the position will remain with the two stars.","type":"text"}],"name":"p","attribs":{},"type":"tag"}],"blocks":null},"relatedStoriesProps":{"articles":[{"slug":"tennis-news-a-great-weapon-carlos-alcaraz-hands-alexander-zverev-major-praise-over-jannik-sinner-at-laver-cup","title":"âA Great Weaponâ- Carlos Alcaraz Hands Alexander Zverev Major Praise Over Jannik\nSinner at Laver Cup "},{"slug":"tennis-news-she-uses-them-stefanos-tsitsipas-shares-unexpected-us-open-encounter-with-security-guard","title":"âShe Uses Themâ- Stefanos Tsitsipas Shares Unexpected US Open Encounter With\nSecurity Guard"},{"slug":"tennis-news-stefanos-tsitsipas-sends-seven-word-message-to-arthur-fils-ahead-of-us-open-clash","title":"Stefanos Tsitsipas Sends 7-Word Message to Arthur Fils Ahead of US Open Clash"}]},"readMoreProps":{"slug":"tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three","categoryName":"Boxing"},"squadProps":{"author":{"name":"Soumya Bontra","description":"Soumya Bontra is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. She has been working as a sports journalist and writer for the past two years. Soumya has a Bachelorâs in Mass Media. She is a brown belt in Karate and has won a silver medal in the Maharashtra State Open Karate Championship in Kumite. She is an admirer of footballers Tobin Heath and Christen Press. During her free time, Soumya loves to watch Animé and is a die-hard fan of Naruto.","slug":"soumya-bontra","postCount":"371","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumya-bontra-aa05aa16a/","https://twitter.com/@SoumyaBontra"],"image":{"url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/181ad201ba553d8d9a719d185738138d88e05c2e89e1bd4817b391e9b504fc71?s=96\u0026d=mm\u0026r=g"}},"editor":{"display_name":"Aatreyi Sarkar","user_avatar":"https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2025-11-07-at-6.40.39-PM-154x150.jpeg"}}},"metaData":{"canonicalUrl":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/","utmParams":{"utm_source":null,"utm_campaign":null,"utm_medium":null,"email_hash":null,"hashed_email":null},"id":5076235,"slug":"tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three","adSlotEntity":"tennis","udsCategory":"tennis","geoConfig":{"city":"New York","country":"US","state":"NY","timezone":"America/New_York"},"isBot":false,"featType":"A","triggerNewsletterUserCheck":"","contentType":[],"categorySlug":"boxing","disableAdsForSlug":false,"showGolfTriviaWidget":false},"seoArray":{"title":"The Search for the Third Man in Tennisâ New Big 3 - EssentiallySports","description":"While the game is constantly growing with young talent, the question about who will be the third person in Big 3 of modern tennis remains.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"The Search for the Third Man in Tennisâ New Big 3","og_description":"While the game is constantly growing with young talent, the question about who will be the third person in Big 3 of modern tennis remains.","og_url":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/","og_site_name":"EssentiallySports","article_publisher":"https://www.facebook.com/essentiallysports","article_published_time":"2026-09-24T08:02:15+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-09-24T08:02:17+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":675,"url":"https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jannik-Sinner-Carlos-Alcaraz-1-1200x675.png","type":"image/png"}],"author":"Soumya Bontra","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@SoumyaBontra","twitter_site":"@es_sportsnews","schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/"},"author":{"name":"Soumya Bontra","@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/#/schema/person/92a07f4d170be1e90c3e344df5175997"},"headline":"The Search for the Third Man in Tennisâ New Big 3","datePublished":"2026-09-24T08:02:15+00:00","dateModified":"2026-09-24T08:02:17+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/"},"wordCount":1100,"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/#organization"},"keywords":["Arthur Fils","atp","Ben Shelton","Big 3","Carlos Alacaraz","Flavio Cobolli","Jakub Mensik","Jannik Sinner","Joao Fonseca","Learner Tien","Tennis"],"articleSection":["ATP","Tennis","Tennis"],"inLanguage":"en-US","copyrightYear":"2026","copyrightHolder":{"@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/#organization"},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/#primaryimage","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jannik-Sinner-Carlos-Alcaraz-1.png","contentUrl":"https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jannik-Sinner-Carlos-Alcaraz-1.png","width":"1920px","height":"1080p
45x"},"articleBody":" Currently, Menâs tennis is mainly dominated by two players, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Having shared dominance over Grand Slam titles and maintained top spots on the ATP Tour rankings, they have etched their name as two of the greats of tennis. However, when tennis fans try to draw parallels with the Big Three, who have dominated tennis for over two decades, commentators and spectators continue to look for the third player to join the coveted list. And most believe that for the current generation of players, that level is hard to match. WHAT IS NEEDED TO BECOME THE BIG THREE? The original members of the Big Three â Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic â did not achieve their status because they ranked at the top of the ATP list. Instead, they defined an entire era by maintaining a high level of dominance throughout. To be tagged as the modern Big Three, a player must meet a very strict standard of expertise that goes well beyond simply reaching deep in tournaments. A genuine contender needs to win Grand Slam titles in direct matches against the worldâs best players. At the same time maintain a constant presence in the later stages of ATP Masters 1000 events on all surfaces. Above all, against the top stars, players need to execute strong performances in high-pressure, five-set matches. To build such dominance, it is important to remain within the top five for consecutive seasons rather than brief periods of good form. All while fighting the physical and mental strain of staying at the top every season. This later results in worldwide recognition and promotes the international popularity of the sport, besides their own on-court achievements. When evaluating whether anyone currently compares with Sinner and Alcaraz, former world No. 9 Fabio Fognini made an honest statement. He said [https://en.tennistemple.com/actu/fogninis-verdict-on-alcaraz-sinner-rivalry-the/jD9A?utm_source=gemini], âThe famous third man to rival Alcaraz and Sinner? For now, he doesnât exist. The issue is that to compete with Jannik and Carlos, you need consistency in performances and results that no one else achieves: they can lose in a single tournament, but over an entire season, they are untouchable.â IS ZVEREV THE MOST OBVIOUS CHOICE? On-paper records suggest that Alexander Zverev has the best background of all the players currently in the competition. He has spent hundreds of weeks in the top five, won several Masters 1000 titles, and also won two ATP Finals. However, although he frequently finishes at the top of the draw, his Grand Slam record is a disadvantage. He has now won the US Open and Roland Garros titles, but in the absence of Sinner and Alcaraz. Zverev himself admitted that there is a technical gap between him and the top two players. âI still think Carlos and Jannik do things a lot better than me. I do believe that. I think there are certain things I can improve on. I serve better than both of them probably, but I am 6ft 6. Carlos canât just grow six more inches. But there are certain things that they do better that I can improve, and itâs not just something physical, like height,â he confessed. DOES BEN SHELTON HAVE POTENTIAL? Ben Shelton has powerful weapons and a charismatic personality that tennis enthusiasts expect to see in a world-class superstar. His strong left-handed serve, aggressive play, and natural ability to entertain the crowd make him a highly exciting figure on court. Shelton possesses the ability to beat anyone on any given day. But to become a member of that elite trio, he must show the necessary weekly consistency. He still faces difficulty in his return games and rallies against strong players. Although his potential shows he could reach several major semis, he needs greater consistency in tournaments on European clay and on slower surfaces. WHAT ABOUT THE NEXT WAVE? If the current generation cannot fill the vacancy, the answer may come from the tourâs rising prospects. Jakub Mensik: The tall Czech combines a powerful serve with surprisingly agile movement from the baseline. He has the modern baseline game needed to beat top-level defenders. Joao Fonseca: The Brazilian has electric ball-striking and a very powerful forehand. He showcases an extremely aggressive style similar to a young Alcaraz, although he needs to improve his physical stability if he is to cope with five-set Grand Slam matches. Arthur Fils: The consistent Frenchman has a high level of athleticism and is capable of taking powerful shots. Fils is one of the most promising youngster
45s, working on his decision-making skills and improving his shots under pressure. Flavio Cobolli: One of the most emerging names in the game, he has a strong competitive spirit and excellent court coverage. Although he is making the most of his athletic ability, currently he lacks the powerful serve that is necessary for him to beat the best players more often. Learner Tien: The American left-hander makes the most of his high tennis intelligence, precise placement, and ability for unexpected comebacks. However, in order to challenge players like Sinner, Tien will have to win more free points with his serving and stay consistent. DOES THE THIRD PLAYER NEED TO DEFEAT ALCARAZ AND SINNER OFTEN? A player doesnât need an undefeated record against Alcaraz and Sinner, but they must present an immediate and ongoing threat. Djokovic did not break the monopoly of Federer and Nadal by staying at number three. Instead, he broke it by defeating both of them in the major finals. If a player loses eight times out of every ten matches when facing the top two, the situation still amounts to a two-horse race with an intermittent spoiler. The third player needs to defeat both Alcaraz and Sinner in best-of-five matches at the Grand Slams to disrupt their dominance on the sportâs most important events. DOES THE BIG 3 TAG EXIST ANYMORE? The fact that they are looking for a third player shows how much tennis is obsessed with history. The period featuring Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic was a one-off situationâthree players from different generations between them winning more than 60 Grand Slams over a span of two decades. At the moment, menâs tennis has no Big Three, probably only a Big Two â Alcaraz and Sinner. They have raised the standard technically through their speed and aggressive yet composed game of tennis. As long as an ambitious rival does not match their standard of play, win Grand Slam titles, and regularly defeat them in the final matches, the position will remain with the two stars. ","description":"While the game is constantly growing with young talent, the question about who will be the third person in Big 3 of modern tennis remains.","editor":{"@type":"Person","name":"Aatreyi Sarkar","description":"Aatreyi Sarkar is a Tennis Editor at EssentiallySports. She has been a lifelong sports enthusiast and passionate tennis follower. Aatreyi brings a keen eye for detail and a curiosity about the stories that deserve to be told. She approaches every headline with careful analysis and delivers stories that resonate with the fans."}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Boxing","item":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/boxing/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Tennis","item":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/boxing/tennis-boxing/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"The Search for the Third Man in Tennisâ New Big 3"}]},{"@type":"NewsMediaOrganization","@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/#organization","name":"EssentiallySports","alternateName":"ES","url":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/","logo":"https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/essentiallysports-logo.png","description":"EssentiallySports is a U.S.-based sports media platform built for modern fandom. We go beyond headlines to create storylines powered by athletes, fans, data, and culture, giving equal energy to the mainstream and the overlooked.","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/essentiallysports","https://twitter.com/es_sportsnews/","https://www.youtube.com/@EssentiallySportsMedia","https://www.linkedin.com/company/essentially-sports","https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/essentiallysports","https://www.instagram.com/essentiallysportsmedia"],"publishingPrinciples":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/editorial-guidelines/","ownershipFundingInfo":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/ownership-and-funding-information/","correctionsPolicy":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/corrections-policy/","ethicsPolicy":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/ethics-policy/","diversityStaffingReport":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/editorial-team/","verificationFactCheckingPolicy":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/fact-checking-policy/","masthead":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/editorial-team/","contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"Editorial","email":"[email protected]","url":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/contact-us/"},"foundingDate":"2014","founder":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Harit Pathak","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/harit-pathak-128674141/"]},{"@type":"Person","name":"Suryansh Tibarewal","sameAs":["https://twitter.com/geeksuryansh","https://www.linkedin.com/in/suryanshtibarewal/","https://www.facebook.com/suryansh.tibarewal/","https://www.crunchbase.com/person/suryansh-tibarewal"]},{"@type":"Person","name":"Jaskirat Arora","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaskirat-arora-1507/"]}],"address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"16192, Coastal Highway","addressLocality":"Lewes","addressRegion":"Delaware","postalCode":"19958","addressCountry":"US"},"telephone":"+13476850407","legalName":"EssentiallySports Media Inc."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/#/schema/person/92a07f4d170be1e90c3e344df5175997","name":"Soumya Bontra","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/#/schema/person/image/","url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/181ad201ba553d8d9a719d185738138d88e05c2e89e1bd4817b391e9b504fc71?s=96\u0026d=mm\u0026r=g","contentUrl":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/181ad201ba553d8d9a719d185738138d88e05c2e89e1bd4817b391e9b504fc71?s=96\u0026d=mm\u0026r=g","caption":"Soumya Bontra"},"description":"Soumya Bontra is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. She has been working as a sports journalist and writer for the past two years. Soumya has a Bachelorâs in Mass Media. She is a brown belt in Karate and has won a silver medal in the Maharashtra State Open Karate Championship in Kumite. She is an admirer of footballers Tobin Heath and Christen Press. During her free time, Soumya loves to wat
45ch Animé and is a die-hard fan of Naruto.","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumya-bontra-aa05aa16a/","https://twitter.com/@SoumyaBontra"],"url":"https://www.essentiallysports.com/author/soumya-bontra/"}]}},"_appData":{"tagNames":"Arthur Fils, atp, Ben Shelton, Big 3, Carlos Alacaraz, Flavio Cobolli, Jakub Mensik, Jannik Sinner, Joao Fonseca, Learner Tien, Tennis","categoryNames":"ATP, Tennis, Tennis","authorName":"Soumya Bontra","editorName":"Aatreyi Sarkar","publishedTimestamp":1790236935000,"slug":"tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three"},"reactionCounts":null},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/[slug]","query":{"slug":"tennis-news-the-search-for-the-third-man-in-tennis-new-big-three"},"buildId":"W3zAYklNbL454B1VoNfLe","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}</script>
45</body></html>
Line numbers count LF bytes from the start of the resource, as the search results do. Vendor segments are library code the classifier recognised; they are stored but not indexed. Bytes are shown as Latin1 characters, one per byte.