Andre Agassi boldly picks areas where Carlos Alcaraz is better than even Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Andre Agassi recently delivered his verdict on what Carlos Alcaraz’s best surface is. Agassi also picked areas in the Spaniard’s game where he excels compared to Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. The Spaniard won his first Major title at the 2022 US Open. Since then, he has clinched two Wimbledon Championships (2023, 2024) as well as two French Open titles (2024, 2025).

Agassi was in Paris for presenting the men’s singles runner-up and winner’s trophies at the 2025 French Open. During his time in the French capital, the former No. 1 joined TNT Sports‘ panel of analysts covering developments at Roland Garros ahead of the men’s singles final. Here, John McEnroe’s brother Patrick asked him about his thoughts on Alcaraz’s best surface.

Surprisingly, Andre Agassi picked grass as the surface best suited to Carlos Alcaraz’s style of play. The 55-year-old said:

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"Alcaraz's best surface to me, would be between here and Wimbledon. I actually think grass might be his best surface. And the reason why I say grass is his best surface has nothing to do with his swings. It has to do with the less diminishing speed that happens to him versus certain players, and his strength of legs, his balance"

Agassi went on to highlight some of the best qualities in Alcaraz's game, which, according to the eight-time Major champion, are equal to or even better than some of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's signature attributes. He added:

"You've got to remember, this guy has defensive speed like Novak, if not more. He has feel like Federer, you got to argue at times, if not more. His RPMs at pace, like Rafa, you could argue, maybe even more. He has to string that stuff together. When he gets there on the grass and you bring in that UFO movements... I mean, his second step is ridiculous, and he believes in it so much, he doesn't peel out defensively when you push him to corners."

Interestingly, Djokovic, Agassi's former pupil, hailed Alcaraz as a "complete player".

"Carlos Alcaraz has got the best of all three worlds" - Novak Djokovic's 2023 admission about Spaniard possessing best qualities of Serb, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

After Carlos Alcaraz won his maiden Wimbledon Championships in 2023 by beating Novak Djokovic in the final, the Serb hailed the Spaniard's all-round game. Djokovic, who was coached by Andre Agassi from May 2017 to March 2018, claimed that Alcaraz possesses the very best qualities of the famed Big Three.

"I think people have been talking in the past 12 months or so about his game consisting of certain elements from Roger, Rafa, and myself. I would agree with that. I think he's got basically the best of all three worlds," Djokovic said.

"I haven't played a player like him ever, to be honest. Roger and Rafa have their own obvious strengths and weaknesses. Carlos is a very complete player. Amazing adapting capabilities that I think are a key for longevity and for a successful career on all surfaces," he added.

Carlos Alcaraz won his fifth Major title on Sunday, June 8, after coming back from two sets down against reigning World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

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Sudipto Pati

Sudipto is a Tennis journalist at Sportskeeda holding a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. He has an experience of 3+ years across the market research, travel, health, lifestyle and sports sectors.

Sudipto has followed Tennis since the early 2000s and stays up-to-date with the sport by following both active and former Tennis players, and seasoned journalists. He also follows ATP and WTA updates, watches documentaries and interviews of professionals, and only reads esteemed publications. He sources all information for his articles only from credible publications stays away from unsubstantiated claims. In just a matter of 3 months, he has gained a readership of almost 2 million at Sportskeeda!

Sudipto admires Rafael Nadal for his fiercely competitive on-court nature and his ability to make memorable comebacks after injury layoffs. The Spaniard may be the GOAT for him, but he also respects the accomplishments of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Beyond Tennis, Sudipto also has an interest in music, football, and video games alongside cooking and traveling.

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