John McEnroe has detailed why he loves Carlos Alcaraz so much ahead of his Australian Open curtain-raiser.
McEnroe was speaking on Eurosport earlier today.
So, what has the former seven-time Grand Slam champion said about the Spaniard, who is in the midst of a fierce battle with Richard Gasquet? We take a closer look…
What John McEnroe has said about Carlos Alcaraz
McEnroe is, for many, the voice of tennis at the moment, with his distinct tones and chucklesome commentary ever-present at grand slams.
Having enjoyed a longer pre-season than most, the world number two has waltzed into his first tournament of the year with impressive skill, especially whilst facing such a wily and skilled veteran of an opponent.
His shot-making has grown as the match has gone on, and seems a good bet to go deep in the competition despite having lost to an inspired Alex de Minaur in the run-up to the tournament, to which he heaped praise onto the Aussie.
Well, McEnroe had predicted fireworks before the match, suggesting his electric play style would take well to the Australian crowd.
Speaking on both his all-action play and that extra rest, the American claimed: ‘I think he just needed to get away. I don’t think it matters that he didn’t really play a tune-up, he played a few exhibition matches that don’t really count towards the rankings.
‘But listen everyone including myself loves Carlos Alcaraz, the way he plays, what he brings to the table and the joy he brings on the court so the fans will love him out there.’
Carlos Alcaraz on the hunt for his first Australian Open title
Having burst onto the scene with his 2022 win at the US Open, Alcaraz has since shot to stardom with his eclectic brand of tennis.
He captures the imagination of all who watch him and promises a good time to onlookers with a broad smile on his face.
It is that patented optimism that has won him so many fans so quickly, alongside a style of play that has competed with those at the very top of the game.
Novak Djokovic is one of many to have fallen to his sword, with his Wimbledon win ending a historic run on centre court and adding a second grand slam to his cabinet.
Alcaraz will be hoping to start his season off in similar fashion by going deep in Melbourne, and bypassing the tricky Gasquet will go a long way towards shaking off any rust he might still have and taking a step towards a first Australian Open title.
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