John McEnroe is one of the sport’s most outspoken individuals, and that, combined with his remarkable tennis career, has made him one of its most iconic characters.
The American, famed for his explosive on-court rants during his playing days, is one of the BBC’s prized pundits for Wimbledon this year, thus making his opinion on the event gold dust.
However, with all the interest his comments are set to generate, it is his latest one, where he predicts the outcome of the men’s side of the draw, which should interest most.
John McEnroe backs Carlos Alcaraz for Wimbledon success
Speaking to iNews ahead of the tournament, the controversial yet affable character was quizzed in length about Wimbledon.
However, what the people really want to know is who he is backing to win the entire thing, a decision that is really tough to predict at this early stage.
Not for the American though, who was quick to name Carlos Alcaraz as his favourite before delving into why he loves the young Spaniard so much.
He claimed: ‘I think Alcaraz is an incredible breath of fresh air. He’s an incredible talent. He’s got a great personality. He’s incredible. He’s great for the game.
‘It’s always better when you have a mix it’s possible, like the youth competing with the the all-time greats.
‘I think he’s gonna fill that gap as well as anyone possibly could to try and follow in those guys footsteps. Which is virtually impossible.
‘I would make him the favourite for Wimbledon. He’s got every shot in the book
‘People love him everywhere he goes, there’s no question about that. So I hope that he does have that [X-factor]. I think he does and it is important that he does.’
Carlos Alcaraz learns his Wimbledon draw
Whilst Jannik Sinner has been dealt a horror draw for Wimbledon, Alcaraz will be licking his lips at the run that has been set out before him.
Having kickstarted his campaign with a comfortable win over qualifier Mark Lajal earlier today, he is now poised to face Aleksandar Vukic in the next round.
Then comes Frances Tiafoe, before Ugo Humbert should await him in the fourth.
Things start to get more interesting after that.
A quarter-final clash with Queen’s winner Tommy Paul is a matchup few would relish, and should he get past the American, Jannik Sinner should await him in the semis.
Then, as is almost expected, Novak Djokovic will be waiting in an effort to gain revenge for last year’s final failure.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
