Promising tennis players to watch out in ATP: Reshaping Big Three

The world of men's tennis is currently defined by the phenomenal rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The top two ranked players have captivated fans, with many waiting for a Grand Slam final to see them clash once again. But while their dominance is clear, the question remains: for how long? The sport is always evolving, and the search is on for the next generation of stars who can challenge the current hierarchy.

The era of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic may be over, but the dream of a new "Big Three" lives on. With Sinner and Alcaraz already established, the sport is looking for a third player to complete a new holy trinity for the next decade. Here are three promising youngsters by Carl Benson from Tennis Majors who have the potential to become that third force.

Joao Fonseca

At just 19 years old, Joao Fonseca is a rising star from Brazil who is quickly making a name for himself. After a surprise victory at the 2023 US Open Junior Championship, he made his ATP debut the following year and has been creating buzz ever since. Currently ranked 45 in the ATP world rankings, Fonseca is on a steady rise and is one of the most promising players to watch.

Flavio Cobolli

The Italian tennis federation is building a powerhouse, with Jannik Sinner leading the way. But they are also nurturing other top talents like Flavio Cobolli. The 23-year-old from Florence may not have Sinner's explosive power or Musetti's tenacity, but his delightful and effective tennis is a joy to watch. Although he has recently lost some ground in the rankings, he has all the tools to climb back to the top.

Cobolli's career highlights include winning the French Open boys' doubles title in 2020 and his first Challenger title in 2021. He is a player with a strong foundation and plenty of room for improvement.

Jakub Mensik

The Czech Republic’s Jakub Mensik is another young star making impressive progress. Since turning professional in 2022, he has become the youngest Czech player to win a Challenger title. Mensik has since qualified for his first Grand Slam main draw and has competed in top tournaments like the Qatar ExxonMobil Open and the BNP Paribas Open.

At just 19, Mensik has already made a significant impact, winning the Miami Masters in 2025. While he may not always be in the spotlight, his trajectory suggests he will be a leading force in the sport for years to come.

In addition to the promising players mentioned above, here are two more young stars to watch out for on the ATP singles tour.

Arthur Fils

A standout from the next generation of French tennis talent, Arthur Fils has all the physical tools to become a top contender. The 20-year-old is known for his explosive power, athleticism, and aggressive game style that allows him to dictate points from the baseline. He's been on a steady upward trajectory since winning his first ATP tour title at the Lyon Open in 2023, making him the youngest French player to win a title in over 18 years. Fils has shown he can compete with the best, and his dynamic play makes him a threat on any surface.

Luca Nardi

Another impressive talent emerging from the thriving Italian tennis scene, Luca Nardi has already made one of the biggest splashes of his young career. While his progress has been steady, the 21-year-old made international headlines when he achieved the most significant victory of his career by defeating the legendary Novak Djokovic at the Indian Wells Masters. Nardi's game is characterized by a fluid, all-court style and a calm demeanor that belies his age. With the guidance of the Italian federation, Nardi has the potential to build on that monumental win and become a consistent force on the tour.