Rafael Nadal has shut down comparisons with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner ahead of the Six Kings Slam.

After spending two months sidelines, the 38-year-old is preparing to return to action at the Saudi Arabia exhibition.

But it will also be the penultimate tournament of his career ahead of his retirement. As the Big Three era draws to a close, Nadal is ready to see Alcaraz and Sinner pave their own way.

The two young stars had long been tipped to succeed the Big Three. And their time has already come – Alcaraz and Sinner split the Grand Slams tournaments this year and now occupy the top of the rankings.

Their talent has been clear for legends like Nadal to see. “They’re doing great. They’re very young,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion told DAZN.

“They’re already achieving amazing things, winning Grand Slams, winning Masters 1000s, creating great numbers. They are very young, Carlos, Jannik, these guys especially are making a special thing.”

But Nadal doesn’t want fans to get ahead of themselves and compare the world Nos. 1 and 2 to him, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

He continued: “We need to wait, but of course. This year already two grand slams for each of them. No. 1 and No. 2 in the world. So they are creating their own story.

“I think it’s not a moment to compare eras. Because Novak is still there. Roger and myself, we left, going to leave soon. But that’s part of the sports career of everyone.

“Now it’s a new generation coming. We need to let them create their own rivalries and their own story. They don’t need the comparisons with us. And let’s see at the end of their careers, then will be the moment to compete what they did and what we did.”

Nadal could have the chance to face both men this week. He has a bye directly into the semi-final of the Six Kings Slam and awaits the winner of a meeting between Alcaraz and Holger Rune.

Djokovic also has a bye and will face either Sinner or Daniil Medvedev. The semi-final match winners will meet in the final while the losers will contest a third-place playoff.