John McEnroe Makes ‘Jealous’ Admission About Carlos Alcaraz: “Never Seen a Player That Good”

Carlos Alcaraz won one doubles and lost one singles match in the ongoing Laver Cup.

John McEnroe Makes ‘Jealous’ Admission About Carlos Alcaraz: “Never Seen a Player That Good”

Carlos Alcaraz, John McEnroe (Image via The Telegraph, X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K)

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John McEnroe has suggested that he considers Carlos Alcaraz a better player than the Big 3 (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer). Alcaraz is in San Francisco and has made his second appearance at the Laver Cup.

On Day 1 on September 19, the pair of Alcaraz and Jakub Mensik helped Team Europe take a 3-1 lead with a straight-set win over Team World’s Taylor Fritz and Alex Michelsen. But on the following day, Fritz got the better of the 22-year-old in singles, beating him in straight sets. Holger Rune and Casper Ruud‘s defeat to Alex de Minaur and Michelsen helped Team World take a 9-3 lead.

Both teams are led by new captains: Yannick Noah is for Team Europe, while Andre Agassi is for Team World. Last year, McEnroe and Bjorn Borg served as captains for the last time.

McEnroe, during an interview with Tennis Channel, recalled his rivalry with Borg and Jimmy Connors, saying that as time passed, tennis kept evolving and saw stronger players emerging on the scene. After them came the era of Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Agassi, and Pete Sampras. And to top it off, then came the Big 3 era.

And you think, ‘I’m watching the three greatest players of all time.’ And suddenly, somehow, another guy comes from Spain. I remember seeing him; he was probably 17. I thought, ‘This guy’s got talent, he’s pretty fast on the court.’ I never would have imagined it, not even in my wildest dreams. Of all the players I’ve seen at that age, I’ve never seen a player that good, that complete. The last two or three years. And with that damn smile you have, I confess I’m very jealous, okay?

Alcaraz, by defeating his arch-rival Jannik Sinner in the US Open final, surpassed Nadal by becoming the second youngest man to win six Grand Slam titles. His victory also helped him become World No.1 for the first time since September 2023. The Spaniard has played nine finals and lifted seven titles (two Majors) this season, also becoming the most successful player on the men’s tour.

Carlos Alcaraz on playing under Team Europe captain Yannick Noah

Yannick Noah played professional tennis from 1977 to 1996, and during that time, he became a World No.3 and also clinched the 1983 Roland Garros title by defeating Mats Wilander. In doubles, the former World No.1 clinched the 1984 French Open and also reached the 1985 US Open final.

Carlos Alcaraz (3)
Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

After retirement, Noah started his music career and released his debut album Black & What! in 1991. In the pre-tournament press conference at the Laver Cup, Alcaraz was asked about his relationship with the 65-year-old.

I’m sweating now. So far, our relationship has been great. I first met him last year at the Laver Cup. I don’t know him much, just a little. He has incredible energy, and he’s also very funny. He tells great stories off the field; he’s fantastic.

After the Laver Cup, Alcaraz will be in Tokyo for the Japan Open, scheduled to start on September 24. Alcaraz will be making his debut at the Japan Open as he has decided to play in Tokyo instead of going to Beijing to defend his China Open title (beat Jannik Sinner last year in a thrilling final). Following the ATP 500 event, the six-time Grand Slam champion will play the Shanghai Masters, where last year Tomas Machac knocked him out in the quarterfinals.

The China Open was the last title Alcaraz won in 2024. He next played three official tournaments, losing all without reaching the semifinals, including at the ATP Finals.

Also read: Joao Fonseca Relishing the Laver Cup Experience After Raising Team World’s Morale With Key Victory on Day 1