"We got a little worried" - 2x Slam finalist believes Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era ending has been rescued by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

The two-time Grand Slam finalist, Mark Philippoussis, expressed his thoughts on Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, suggesting that the young stars have stepped up to fill the void left by legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

Philippoussis retired from tennis in 2017, while his last professional match was in 2015. However, he has not entirely cut ties with the sport, as he is involved through coaching and participates in legends events. Along with these endeavors post-retirement, he also provides commentary for several tournaments.

Most recently, Phillippoussis opened up about his love for the sport in an interview with Australian Open TV, with Viv Christie. When asked if he enjoys watching tennis these days, he nodded a yes, crediting it to Sinner and Alcaraz's nail-biting rivalry on the court.

Stating that they have held the bars up, Philippoussis believed that the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era ending has been rescued by them. (25:09 onwards)

"I very much do. Especially you got these matches, you got Sinner and alcaraz. Every time those two are playing against each other, I just feel like they're incredible ambassadors for the sport. And we're very lucky to have them, because I think we got a little worried there when Rafa, and Federer and Djokovic, kind of Djokovic is still, hopefully we got him for another year. But to have two figures like that, that incredible roles for the game of tennis is amazing," said Philippoussis.

After the US Open clash, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner once again locked horns with each other in the Six Kings Slam final in Riyadh on October 18, where the Italian toppled his way past the World No. 1 to claim the triumph, registering a 6-2, 6-4 win.

Carlos Alcaraz made his feelings known about losing to Jannik Sinner at Six Kings Slam in Riyadh

After his upset against Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz sat for a media interaction, where he opened up about his match against the Italian. Singing praises of his opponent, the Spaniard said that he was too good on the court, and his form gave the Spanish motivation to do better.

"When Jannik is playing at this level it is always difficult, today he was just too good. I always say when he plays such great tennis it gives me motivation to go to the practice court, give 100% and try to be better. Sometimes he is annoying, but he gives me extra motivation," said Carlos Alcaraz.

The 22-year-old further spoke about his relationship with Sinner, saying: (as quoted by BBC.com)

"A few times I wrote to him just to see how he's going or to congratulate him. We have a special relationship off the court, which is great. People think when two tennis players are competing for great things, giving their best on the court, they cannot have a great friendship off the court and I think we [have seen] it's possible."

Carlos Alcaraz is next scheduled to compete in the first round of the Paris Masters against Cameron Norrie on October 28.

Edited by Hitesh Nigam