John McEnroe offers intriguing take as he answers Carlos Alcaraz question
Tennis icon John McEnroe has spoken to Tennis365 about Carlos Alcaraz and revealed what he believes makes the Spanish superstar “formidable and dangerous mentally.”
Alcaraz is vying for his fifth Grand Slam title at the 2025 French Open, where he is the reigning champion and favourite to defend his crown.
The world No 2 has enjoyed a sensational clay-court campaign to date, having secured titles at the Masters tournaments in Monte Carlo and Rome and finished as a runner-up in Barcelona. He was forced to miss the Madrid Masters through injury.
The 22-year-old has already claimed every big title on clay, having also triumphed at the Madrid Open in 2022 and 2023.
Alcaraz has been widely lauded for his complete game and exciting style, with McEnroe frequently labelling the Spaniard his “favourite player to watch.”
The former world No 1’s somewhat inconsistent early season results, however, fuelled debate over the most effective way for him to utilise his incredible talent level, wealth of options and athleticism.
During a TNT Sports event, Tennis365 asked McEnroe where he stands between Alcaraz playing with total freedom and adopting a more disciplined, high-percentage approach.
“I would say it’s finding that — hold back that little bit,” explained the seven-time major singles champion.
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“You want that freedom, it makes him more formidable and dangerous mentally, not knowing what he’s gonna do, and willing to try anything. Go big on a forehand unexpectedly, drop shot, he uses his speed — he’s obviously one of the greatest athletes we’ve ever seen on a tennis court.
“But, it’s sort of easy to be the backseat driver, because you want him to continue to play with freedom, but at times, have that discipline to pull back just a little bit.
“And I think he’s shown that in the clay-court season, better than he’s shown it in the past. He just turned 22, so he’s got some time to figure this out. He’s doing pretty well so far.”
Alcaraz defeated Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the opening match of his title defence at Roland Garros. He will take on 56th-ranked Fabian Marozsan in the second round.
On Alcaraz’s remarkable movement, McEnroe added: “Whoever taught him taught him well. You’re talking about, if you had to pick the top five athletes that ever played on a tennis court, I think without a doubt he’d be one of the top five.
“So, he’s just a natural freak athlete for us that can cover the court in ways that few people have ever been able to do so.”
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