Carlos Alcaraz is 'lucky' to be playing in the current era at a time when the 'big three' are retiring or close to quitting tennis.
That's according to Dominic Thiem's old coach Gunter Bresnik.
Alcaraz is currently in the spotlight after battling his way to a five-set triumph over Novak Djokovic earlier this month.
The 20-year-old struggled in the first set against his rival but, in the end, was able to secure a 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 win.
Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have more Grand Slam titles than Carlos Alcaraz
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Yet Bresnik has now branded Alcaraz as 'lucky', insisting the youngster is fortunate not to be going up against prime versions of the likes of Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
“He’s [Alcaraz] lucky enough to take the stage when the best of all time are thinking of retiring, or have already done so," he said.
"The level in the top ten isn’t the best at the moment either, and he’s the only one in his age group.
“He could dominate for the next few years but has yet to confirm his successes.
"Something can always happen, he’s had a few injuries, but it could also just get boring for him.”
Bresnik has also questioned whether Djokovic is still motivated to play at the highest level.
The Serb has won more Grand Slam titles than any player in the history of the men's gain and trails Margaret Court by just one crown.
Bresnik said: “I have the theory that the rivalries with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray drove him to top performances – of course that also applies to the others.
“Not only in the match, but also in the time in between, during training or preparing for a match.
"And this rivalry does not exist with Alcaraz.”
He continued: “I have always said that Djokovic will lose motivation once there is no more constant competition with Nadal and Federer and he has won 23 Grand Slam titles.
"Alcaraz, on the other hand, played freely and finds it easier against the older ones, because they are on the decline.
"The branches are high, but descending.
“I’m still convinced that Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and maybe Murray played better at their best than Alcaraz is doing today.”
Alcaraz now has two Grand Slam titles, having previously won the US Open last year.
But he's still got a long way to go before he reels in some of the biggest names in the sport's history.
Federer won 20 during his career, with the Swiss maestro's last triumph coming at the Australian Open back in 2018.
And Nadal has 22 majors to his name, with the Spaniard still hoping to return to tennis despite ongoing issues with injury.
Alcaraz will be among the favourites to reign supreme at the US Open when that tournament kicks off next month.
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Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic participated in an epic Wimbledon final
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But Djokovic will be a strong rival for him at Flushing Meadows, with the Serb set to set to appear at the competition for the first time since 2020.
