John McEnroe sends warning to Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner in US Open title verdict
Tennis icon John McEnroe sent a warning to US Open title favourites Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as he discussed the contenders to win the 2024 event.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion declared that “the door is certainly open for a surprise”, but admitted he would “probably still pick one of the big three guys to win it.”
As the world No 1, Sinner is the top seed at the US Open and the Italian is looking to win his second major to add to his 2024 Australian Open crown.
Alcaraz, who is seeded third, is in the top half of the draw with Sinner and the Spaniard is bidding to secure his third Grand Slam of 2024 and fifth overall.
Djokovic, meanwhile, is the No 2 seed and is on the opposite side of the draw to his two main rivals as he seeks to defend his US Open title and claim a record-extending 25th major.
US Open News
John McEnroe lashes out at tennis fans for casting Novak Djokovic as ‘the bad guy’
McEnroe assessed that Alcaraz would have been better served skipping the Cincinnati Masters and argued winning the US Open will be a tall order for the 21-year-old after his Paris Olympics heartbreak.
“Alcaraz is my favourite player to watch right now,” the American told Eurosport. “You know he brings everything. I like people that can do everything.
“It almost seems impossible that someone like him could stay so positive, always smiling. It’s hard to believe he wouldn’t get frustrated, especially in a sport as mentally tough as tennis.
“I’m sure, in a way, he probably needed a longer break. But maybe he felt some pressure because Novak wasn’t playing, and at 37.
“In hindsight, he probably would have been better off not playing at all. Given everything that’s happened, emotionally, it’s going to be a big ask for him to win this tournament.
“How much does he have left in the tank? This might open the door for someone outside of the three guys we expect… the door is certainly open for a surprise.”
The former world No 1 then gave his thoughts on which players are capable of surprising the top three.
“I think there’s a handful of guys who could potentially step up,” McEnroe continued. “Obviously, Zverev is in the mix. Whether he can pull it off remains to be seen. Medvedev losing two straight matches on hard courts? Who would’ve thought that?
“Some of the American guys seem to be getting closer, and with a couple of good breaks, maybe one of them can make that next step.
“[Andrey] Rublev, for example, hasn’t made it past the quarters yet, but with a better draw, something favourable could happen.
“It’s hard to say. But honestly, even with all that in mind, I’d probably still pick one of the big three guys to win it.”
McEnroe also weighed in on the prospect of world No 9 Grigor Dimitrov making his Grand Slam breakthrough at Flushing Meadows.
“He has a lot to be proud of,” he added. “Winning a major at this point would be a big ask, but I think he’s still dangerous.
“Hopefully, he’ll be able to play his best because he’s also had some injury issues. It’s tough to say where he is mentally and physically. This Olympic year has been especially challenging for a lot of players.”
READ NEXT: Jannik Sinner explains changes to his team amid doping case saga as Boris Becker gives his verdict
