John McEnroe, the retired tennis legend, has lauded Carlos Alcaraz for his exceptional talent following the Spaniard’s victory at the 2025 French Open. After overcoming World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the final to claim his fifth Grand Slam title, Alcaraz was singled out by McEnroe as the only player worth paying to watch post the era of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.
McEnroe Highlights Alcaraz’s Unique Talent and Athleticism
McEnroe, a former world No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion, remains active in the tennis community through senior ATP Champions Tour events and commentary roles. Reflecting on the recent French Open, he contrasted Carlos Alcaraz’s brilliance with Jannik Sinner’s consistency, emphasizing Alcaraz’s rare talent.
He stated that while both players bring distinct qualities to the court, Alcaraz’s skill set stands out as the greatest contribution from the generation following tennis’s Big Three.
“Carlos is the most talented young player I have ever seen hold a racket, Jannik is not far behind. Alcaraz is brighter, Sinner is more consistent. I am struck by the sound of Jannik’s ball: I have never heard anything like it. Carlos is the greatest gift the post-Big Three generation could give us. And he is the only tennis player I would pay a ticket for,”
McEnroe remarked.
Comparing Rising Stars to Legendary Music Bands
John McEnroe further illustrated the dynamic between Alcaraz and Sinner by comparing them to iconic music groups. Drawing a parallel between the tennis duo and the rivalry between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, McEnroe described the choice as one between greatness and unpredictability, both leaving a historic mark in their field.
“It’s like choosing between the Beatles and the Stones. The Stones were unpredictable but sometimes the Beatles were better. We’re talking about groups that, like Jannik and Carlos in tennis, have made history.” —John McEnroe
McEnroe’s Continuing Influence in Tennis
Beyond his analysis, McEnroe’s legacy includes his storied playing career and ongoing engagement with the sport. With a combined total of over 70 singles and doubles titles and 170 weeks at world No. 1, his insights carry significant weight. Notably, he added an over-45 legends doubles title at the 2012 French Open alongside his brother Patrick, underscoring his enduring passion for tennis.
Having been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1999, McEnroe’s voice remains influential in shaping perspectives on tennis’s current and future stars, particularly as the sport transitions beyond the dominance of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.
McEnroe’s comments highlight Alcaraz’s rising stature and the growing anticipation surrounding his career, indicating that the young Spaniard is positioned to capture the interest of tennis fans worldwide, ushering in a new era for the sport.