Tennis legend John McEnroe named Carlos Alcaraz his favorite player to watch on the professional circuit, praising the young Spaniard’s impact on the sport during an appearance in Madrid, according to reports from Spanish radio and print outlets.
John McEnroe Names Carlos Alcaraz His Favorite Player in Madrid
Speaking in Madrid during the launch of an inclusive tennis masters tournament at the Caja Mágica, seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe offered high praise for Carlos Alcaraz. McEnroe, who won four US Open titles and three Wimbledon crowns during his illustrious career, served as a team captain alongside Argentine tennis great Gabriela Sabatini for the inaugural event organized by the Fundación Sanitas.
When asked about the current state of men’s tennis, McEnroe told the late-night radio program El Larguero that Alcaraz stands out above the rest of the tour. “Carlos Alcaraz is an incredible tennis player. For me, my favorite. The one I like to watch the most. Thank God he came after Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer,” McEnroe said during the broadcast.
Rivalry With Jannik Sinner and Recovery From Injury
McEnroe also emphasized the fierce competitive rivalry between Alcaraz and world-class peer Jannik Sinner, noting how their matches elevate both athletes. “He has also made Sinner better, and Sinner has made him better,” the former world number one remarked.
Reflecting on Alcaraz’s brief absence from the tour due to physical setbacks, McEnroe admitted feeling concerned when the Murcian star missed action on the grass courts of Wimbledon. “The sport is not the same when he is not there. I am glad he is back, plus he has fantastic hair,” McEnroe said, before adding an optimistic projection for the Spaniard’s future: “We all hope that Carlos stays healthy for the next 10 years.” When asked if he would offer advice to the young champion, the American demurred, pointing out his own major title count: “I only have seven. I don’t think he needs any advice.”
Ininclusive Tennis Masters at the Caja Mágica
The remarks came against the backdrop of a pioneering sports initiative in the Spanish capital. The Fundación Sanitas hosted the first edition of an inclusive tennis masters tournament under the historic roof of the Caja Mágica, bringing together professional athletes and players with disabilities for competitive singles and doubles matches.
The competition utilized a specialized rulebook created specifically for the occasion by the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (Real Federación Española de Tenis) and the Fundación Sanitas Chair of Inclusive Sports at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Alongside team captains McEnroe and Sabatini, the tournament roster featured notable athletes including Carmen Lobo, Sam Gómez, Thalita Rodrigues, Iván Corretja, Daniel Caverzaschi, and Martín de la Puente.
Reflections on Rafa Nadal and Rising Spanish Talent
Turning his attention to compatriot and 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, McEnroe expressed perpetual bewilderment regarding the Mallorcan’s famously calm demeanor on the court throughout his career. Having earned a reputation during his own playing days for explosive outbursts and broken racquets, McEnroe joked about Nadal’s unmatched self-control. “I don’t understand that he has never broken a racket. What’s wrong with him? I don’t know, maybe he’s a robot or something. He’s not human,” McEnroe said, before playfully extending the thought to Sinner: “Well, Sinner maybe not, but he’ll break one.”
McEnroe also highlighted the broader depth of Spanish tennis development, singling out young player Rafa Jódar as someone performing at a high level who could benefit from physical rest after a demanding early-career stretch. “In America, we have to study what is happening in Spain a little more closely,” McEnroe acknowledged.
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