John McEnroe blown away by what Carlos Alcaraz can already do which he never could, ‘It’s amazing’
Carlos Alcaraz’s return to tennis has been a welcome sight for tennis fans across the world, with none happier to see him back in action than John McEnroe.
The 67-year-old, who spends his days as a pundit and commentator for various broadcasters, has made no secret of his love for the seven-time Grand Slam champion over the past few years, having presided over his development from the commentary booth throughout his career.
He has routinely named him as his favourite current player, and even gone as far as to argue that he is already at a level comparable to that of the peak of the Big Three.
However, now speaking on the Tennis Insider podcast, John McEnroe has discussed Carlos Alcaraz’s career so far in relation to his own, left blown away by how this young superstar conducts himself compared to how he acted.
John McEnroe left stunned by the way Carlos Alcaraz acts on court
He began by recalling his own abrasive attitude in relation to the rivalries he formed.
McEnroe shared: “I wanted to have it where tennis players would be looked upon the same way that other athletes are, like on a football pitch. They are not saying hello, how are you. They are ready to kill each other.
Where does Carlos Alcaraz’s forehand rank among the greatest of all time? 🎾
“There was some trash talking when I was playing. Connors would say, ‘you’re the worst’, and you would have to stand up for yourself. That seemed normal. I also like in New York City, where it’s pretty loud. I was surprised when I went to Wimbledon; I was like, they’re so quiet, they behave themselves so well, what is this?
“I think I am more like the French fans, honestly. I am very emotional. That is the way I am. It’s more normal, and to me it’s more normal to act the way I did than the way Borg did. It’s very difficult to have total control all the time; you always feel as if you are on the edge of disaster.”
Then, expanding on that in relation to the modern-day athletes, McEnroe admitted: “It’s tough to be in the public and see that. They talk more and more about mental health, which is good, but it’s not as if it hasn’t been happening for a long time in sports.
“I suppose the money- because there is more money, it’s become even worse but generally speaking, this has been an issue. Why did Borg stop? He never played a major after 25.
“Other people seem to handle it so well. I watch Alcaraz and I think how is he so happy on court all the time? Roger Federer looked like he loved every minute of it.
“I wish I knew how they were able to handle the pressure and the expectations and still be able to [remain happy]. I love Alcaraz; he is my favourite guy to watch. I can’t believe it’s even possible he can be like this. It’s amazing.”
When Carlos Alcaraz said how he really felt about John McEnroe
For all the praise McEnroe has given Alcaraz over the years, the Spaniard has never really given much back in return to the American pundit.
However, after he won the Australian Open earlier this year, completing the career Grand Slam and winning his seventh major, the 23-year-old finally did so.
Alcaraz discussed matching McEnroe’s Grand Slam tally, as he admitted: “In the world of tennis, it’s very difficult to stop and realise what you’re achieving.
Do you believe Carlos Alcaraz is already the greatest tennis player of all time?
“But last night, looking at messages and social media, I saw that I had equalled John McEnroe’s number of Grand Slam titles. And it was like… wow, this is huge.
“Equaling someone like McEnroe is a big deal. It’s incredible and wonderful to be there, with my name next to his, someone I admire and respect immensely.”
