Carlos Alcaraz disagrees with John McEnroe and snubs Wimbledon for another tournament
Few can argue with Carlos Alcaraz's ability, but his choice of trophies may divide many tennis fans
Carlos Alcaraz has disagreed with John McEnroe after the tennis legend said the Spaniard is better than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were at the age of 21. The Spaniard became the youngest player to win Grand Slams on all three surfaces when he overcame Alexander Zverev across five sets to win the French Open.
The Spaniard was behind 2-1 on sets but turned the match around in ruthless fashion to beat the German 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2. He now has his sights set on retaining the Wimbledon title he won last year when the action begins on July 1.
He also has the first opportunity to become the first Spanish singles player since Rafael Nadal to win an Olympic gold medal when he travels back to France. Surprisingly, Alcaraz admitted a triumph at this summer's games would rank above winning a second title at SW19.
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In an interview with ABC tennis, Alcaraz was asked about McEnroe's comments, ranking him above both Nadal and Federer at the same age. He said: “I have seen videos, but with some highlights, I cannot compare myself to them when they were my age.
"But it doesn't matter what I have achieved at this age if I stagnate here. I want to continue growing in my career and get to where Djokovic, Rafa and Federer are. The good ones and the greats have continued to improve in their careers until they are still 37 and 38 years old.”
Alcaraz appears to be forming a new rivalry with Italian sensation Jannik Sinner. The two young tennis stars are the World No.2 and World No.1 respectively and have won three of the last four Grand Slams between each other.
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The pair fought out a phenomenal semi-final at Roland Garros, which Alcaraz edged 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. After watching him overcome both Sinner and Zverev, McEnroe gave Alcaraz the ultimate compliment.
The American said: "I've got to say this, just for the record, Carlos Alcaraz is my favorite player to watch. He's the most skilled young man I've ever seen playing at this age.
"It's hard to imagine he can keep improving cause he is so good at everything already. But he's better than Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic at 21 for me... Alcaraz is a unique individual that we need around in the sport for long time. You gotta love what he brings to the sport."
Alacaraz will be one of the favourites when the Olympic Games starts. At the time of writing, the tennis side of the competition is set to begin on July 27, but this could be subject to change. Usually, the Grand Slams represent the ultimate Shangri-La for all players.
But having already won three Grand Slams by age 21, Alcaraz is desperate to add a gold medal to his growing cabinet. When asked if he would be more excited to win Wimbledon or the Olympics, he said: “It is difficult to decide, but I would say the Games.
"They are every four years and you represent your country and all Spaniards. When I come back here I'll have flashbacks. It can be very nice, my first Games forty days after my first Roland Garros. I would choose an Olympic gold."
