John McEnroe, whilst stunned by Carlos Alcaraz’s level during his semi-final win earlier today, has admitted he’s worried for the Spaniard.
That was, despite watching him claim a dramatic win against Alexander Zverev, battling through severe cramps to snatch victory.
It was this very fitness issue that has McEnroe concerned though, and the lack of time he will now have to be ready for Sunday’s final.
Alcaraz’s behaviour during his injury struggles has been questioned after the match, but he won’t care. Zverev might, though…
John McEnroe is worried for Carlos Alcaraz after his semi-final match
Speaking live on ESPN right after Carlos Alcaraz’s win, McEnroe was asked what has been different this year at the Australian Open compared to the past.
However, he argued: “You know, I thought he had great chances the last couple of years.
Were the Australian Open too lenient with Carlos Alcaraz?
“I think Djokovic got in his head when he had that injury last year, and his level dropped off. Zverev, who he lost to a couple of years ago, served out of a tree.
“So he’s been sort of getting closer and closer. We’ve watched him play at all the other majors, and it wasn’t a matter of if; it was a matter of when he was going to get here, but he really did it the hard way. “
The American, who won seven singles Grand Slam titles of his own during a sparkling playing career, then added: “He hadn’t lost a set before this match. So, you know, the pressure’s all a little bit because he’s the youngest guy ever to win all four Grand Slams already, in an epic career. So I think he was feeling pressure.
“He was no longer with his coach, and people questioned that, but they ain’t questioning now.
“The main problem is, obviously, I know he’s 22, but it’s going to be tough to recover.
“So in a way, if Sinner wins handily, or Djokovic, they’ll probably go in as a favourite. Or certainly Sinner will be, possibly Djokovic if he’s able to pull that out, which is a tall order.”
Zverev has spoken about Alcaraz’s medical time-out now, offering his thoughts on the controversy.
Carlos Alcaraz’s lucky break with the Australian Open scheduling
It’s a strange situation for Alcaraz, who can count himself both lucky and hugely unfortunate that he was scheduled on the day session today.
On one hand, the fact that his gruelling five-and-a-half-hour match was the first of the day gives him far more time to tackle his recovery.
However, on the other hand, it was likely the fact that he was playing in the day, directly in the scorching Melbourne sun for much of the match, that resulted in his cramps in the third set.
Has Alexander Zverev just blown his last chance to win a Grand Slam?
Eventually, the shade fell over Rod Laver Arena and offered Alcaraz a crucial reprieve.
It will now be a race against time to see whether he can recover enough to be ready for another fiercely competitive match this Sunday.
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