The extent of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s tennis is so excessive that they might each be favourites to beat Rafael Nadal “at his greatest,” John McEnroe has claimed.
Alcaraz and Sinner delivered one of many French Open’s greatest-ever finals on Sunday because the Spaniard outlasted his rival in a five-set thriller to assert his fifth Grand Slam — doing so at the very same age as Nadal: 22 years, one month and three days. Sinner, only a 12 months Alcaraz’s elder at 23, already has two Slams to his identify and the pair have gained seven of the final eight majors.
Nadal went on to assert 22 main titles (together with a report 14 at Roland Garros) in a exceptional profession that resulted in November final 12 months.
However McEnroe advised TNT Sports activities: “You took a take a look at them bringing their A-game proper now — I am saying Sinner and Alcaraz in opposition to Nadal on clay — you’d make a critical argument with each guys that they might be favoured to beat Nadal, at his greatest.
“Do I feel they’ll attain, 20, 24 titles both of them? No. As a result of I feel that plateau is so laborious it is virtually not possible; there’s extra depth within the recreation, greater hitters, and extra issues occur.
“However these two guys proper now, it is like if you watch the NBA and also you say no one might be higher than Michael Jordan. The tennis stage proper now’s larger than I’ve ever seen.”
Within the first main closing between two males born within the 2000s, Alcaraz saved three match factors on his technique to a 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(10-2) victory and proceed his dominance over Sinner. It additionally ended the Italian’s 20-match successful run in Grand Slams.
“I am simply actually pleased to have the ability to make historical past with you on this event,” Alcaraz advised Sinner.
“I am positive you are going to be champion not as soon as, however many instances. It is a privilege to share the court docket with you in each event, making historical past with you.”
