TENNIS
McEnroe: “Alcaraz is the best player I have seen at his age”
The American tennis living legend talked about the Spanish star’s rise ahead of the US Open, where Alcaraz will defend his title.
Since Carlos Alcaraz’s breakthrough in the ATP Tour, the Spaniard has been complimented by many former tennis players, pundits, and fans.
This time, another legend of the sport couldn’t help but praise the Murcia native, who won two Grand Slam tournaments at the age of 20 and will be looking to add a third one in the upcoming weeks, as he will be featuring in the US Open, the last major of the season.
“What Alcaraz has done in the last year is unbelievable. He’s put himself in a position where you talk about him in the same way as Novak and Rafa [Nadal] in a way which is incredible”, McEnroe said to different media ahead of the US Open.
“The best player I’ve ever seen at his age. It’s incredible how good he is already. Novak is incredible how good he still is”, he added.
Alcaraz will be looking to lift his 13th ATP title and defend his title after winning it last year after beating Casper Ruud in the final.
McEnroe wants a Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic rematch
While Alcaraz is seen as the No. 1 favorite to repeat his feat in New York and win the US Open, Novak Djokovic proved on Sunday he’s ready and fit to face the Spaniard in the fourth Grand Slam event of the year.
Nole defeated Alcaraz in an epic final that lasted almost four hours, where both men had match points. The Serb, however, was the better man in the key moments and it earned him one of the toughest victories in his long and successful career.
McEnroe saw that match and was delighted seeing how both players fought till the very end without throwing the towel despite the fatigue and the intensity of the match.
“To see the all-time great play against the young superstar is incredible. I’d love to see that match played again. The last couple of matches have all been close and incredible matches. Let’s hope it lasts”, he explained.
“Djokovic looked amazing [in the Cincinnati final]. It was extremely hot and was struggling with the heat. He somehow found a way. It’s unbelievable that he is so good at this age. It’s hard to believe that anyone can do it as well as he is doing even at this age. It’s unprecedented”, he concluded.
While Alcaraz is seen as the favorite to win in New York, given that the games will be decided in the best of five sets and that could help the younger player, Djokovic showed he’s more than ready for a fight and still has what it takes to survive in the worst moments and come back stronger.