John McEnroe has long been one of tennis’ most outspoken individuals, and has not relented since becoming a pundit.
And, he is totally unafraid of voicing his true opinions on the sport’s biggest names, taking a particular interest in Carlos Alcaraz.
He is in awe of the Spanish superstar and doesn’t feel the need to hide his true feelings that he is the best player on the planet.
However, comparing this contemporary talent to Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal is another thing entirely.
When John McEnroe compared Carlos Alcaraz to Roger Federer
Speaking ahead of the 2024 French Open, which was eventually won by Alcaraz, McEnroe was effusive in his praise for the seven-time Grand Slam winner.
At the time though, he had just two majors to his name.
The American clearly saw greater things in Alcaraz’s future though, and would support his argument with a bold claim comparing him to the Big Three that came before him.
McEnroe argued: “I got to say this, just for the record, Carlos Alcaraz is my favourite player to watch. He’s the most skilled young man I’ve ever seen playing at this age. It’s hard to imagine he can keep improving because he is so good at everything already.
“But he’s better than Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic at 21 for me… Alcaraz is a unique individual that we need around in the sport for a long time. You gotta love what he brings to the sport.”
McEnroe recently named his favourite tennis player on tour, refreshing his take two years on.
Carlos Alcaraz is on track to surpass Roger Federer
Whilst Novak Djokovic might be tough for Alcaraz to beat, there is seemingly no record that is safe from the Spaniard’s ongoing crusade.
After all, he has already established himself as arguably the greatest young tennis player in history, and with seven Grand Slam titles at the age of 22, is nearly halfway to Federer’s tally of 20.
Should he stay fit across his career, the new Australian Open champion seems destined to reach that mark eventually.
However, what Federer will hope to remain is his record of eight Wimbledon titles, a feat even Djokovic hasn’t managed to achieve.
Alas, with Alcaraz having already won two from the five times he’s appeared at the All England Club and reached the final of the last three iterations, the way in which Alcaraz has taken to life on this surface is remarkable.
He could definitely end up with that Federer record too, and will be especially keen to reclaim his crown from Sinner after losing in last year’s final.