McEnroe praises Alcaraz’s talent as far surpassing the Big Three, while Roddick admires his charismatic personality even more

When you think of Alcaraz, what comes to mind? Recently, tennis legends John McEnroe and Andy Roddick shared their first impressions of Alcaraz—one marveling at his incredible talent, the other captivated by his ever-present charisma and natural approachability.

During his commentary on this year’s US Open, ESPN analyst McEnroe acknowledged Alcaraz’s skills, stating in the debate over the two rising stars in men’s tennis, “If both players perform at their peak, Carlos Alcaraz is the more complete player, but if he plays at an A- level or below, Sinner will beat him. That’s the crucial point.”

This seven-time Grand Slam singles champion generously gave the Spanish prodigy the highest praise: “Carlos Alcaraz, at 21 or 22, is the most talented player I’ve ever seen on the tennis court! He has more talent than Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, whom I deeply respect.”

McEnroe continued, “During my playing days, I greatly admired Rod Laver, and of course, I faced Pete Sampras, who was incredible when in form and one of the fastest players on the court. But Alcaraz is truly exceptional in character; his professional attitude is astonishing, and he possesses all the dazzling shot-making skills that make him nearly unstoppable on court.”

McEnroe’s view is supported by statistics. So far, the 22-year-old Alcaraz has won 22 titles, including 5 Grand Slams and 8 Masters 1000 events. By comparison, at the same age, Djokovic had 13 titles (1 Grand Slam), Nadal 26 titles (3 Grand Slams), and Federer 9 titles (1 Grand Slam). Alcaraz’s achievements before turning 22 have arguably surpassed those of these legendary players at the same stage.

However, not everyone fully agrees with McEnroe’s assessment. His brother Patrick McEnroe, while acknowledging Alcaraz’s extraordinary talent, believes that currently, Sinner is the player he favors more.

“At the moment, I slightly favor Sinner. Although Alcaraz holds a clear advantage in their head-to-head record, this year you must recognize that Sinner has won two of the three Grand Slams. He captured his first Wimbledon title and has generally been more consistent.”

McEnroe’s comments sparked lively debate among fans, with one writing, “McEnroe’s praise of Alcaraz is a huge endorsement of his talent, but the accomplishments of the Big Three are undeniable. Alcaraz still has a long way to go.”

Another fan joked, “McEnroe is always so blunt! That’s why we love him. But it’s not too late to compare once Alcaraz has won 20 Grand Slams.”

Beyond his outstanding technical talent, Alcaraz’s personality also earns admiration from tennis veterans. American legend Roddick remarked, “He walks in and talks to everyone. It’s not an act; it’s just who he is. Everyone who meets him, no matter their role at the US Open, says, ‘You know what? I really like him.’”

Roddick added, “He always wears a relaxed smile and is very easy to get along with.” This warmth contrasts sharply with his powerful presence on court, showcasing the multifaceted nature of a champion player.

Many fans agree with this view, believing Alcaraz has brought a fresh perspective to tennis. His graciousness toward controversial calls, the goodwill he shows to spectators and fans, and the constant smile on his face demonstrate that professional tennis is not just about fierce competition and frustration after losses, but can also embody sportsmanship and calm composure toward opponents and audiences alike—setting a great example for many younger players.

Will Alcaraz maintain his health and motivation to eventually surpass the Big Three in achievements? Let’s wait and see!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)