McEnroe: Alcaraz and Sinner, favorites vs Nadal in his prime

McEnroe: Alcaraz and Sinner, Favorites Against Nadal in His Best Moment

The level of tennis displayed by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner is so high that, according to John McEnroe, both would be favorites to beat Rafael Nadal “in his prime.” Alcaraz and Sinner starred in one of the most epic finals of the French Open last Sunday, where the Spaniard defeated his rival in an exciting five-set match, achieving his fifth Grand Slam. Alcaraz achieved this feat at the same age as Nadal when he won his fifth title, with 22 years, one month and three days. Sinner, at 23 years old, already has two Grand Slam titles, and the pair have won seven of the last eight major tournaments. Nadal, who amassed 22 Grand Slam titles in his outstanding career, including a record 14 at Roland Garros, ended his career last November.

“If you see Alcaraz and Sinner playing at their peak, I think both would be favorites to beat Nadal, even at his best, on clay,” McEnroe told TNT Sports.

John McEnroe

“Do I think any of them will reach 20 or 24 titles? No. Because I think that level is very difficult to achieve, almost impossible; there is more depth in the game, players with more power and more things happen.

In the first Grand Slam final between two players born in the 2000s, Alcaraz saved three match points and achieved a victory with partials of 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2), consolidating his dominance over Sinner. In addition, he ended Sinner’s streak of 20 consecutive victories in Grand Slam tournaments.

“I am very happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament,” Alcaraz told Sinner.

Carlos Alcaraz

“I am sure you will be champion not once, but many times. It is a privilege to share the court with you in every tournament, making history together.”