McEnroe: Everybody needs Alcaraz to win, he's contemporary air and performs electrifying tennis

One of Eurosport’s most recognised voices is John McEnroe. The American legend has spoken to a number of media retailers, together with MARCA, about Roland Garros.

The channel, which is able to supply the second Grand Slam stay solely may have amongst its consultants Alex Corretja, Jordi Arrese, Anabel Medina, Nico Almagro and Conchita Martinez.

Q: How a lot of a disgrace is Nadal’s absence?

A: It’s clear that Roland Garros won’t be the identical with out Rafa. It’s unhealthy luck that he’s not right here and it opens the choice for others to win. I at all times say that being a father beats every other side of life. I am positive Nadal has completed every little thing he might to play and that he did not need it to finish up like this. That is why he has already stated he needs to retire taking part in subsequent yr. No matter he does, we should respect him. I give the instance of [Andy] Murray, who continues to be taking part in however is just not the participant he was. He needs to retire in his personal method and the identical goes for Rafa.

Q: What adjustments with out Nadal?

A: When he was there you possibly can solely discuss him because the favorite. Now there are eight who can win. It’s true that [Novak] Djokovic received twice however there are others. The perfect would have been that Rafa was taking part in at a excessive degree and that somebody might present that they’re higher than him in these circumstances. That is what folks wished to see.

Q: Are you able to think about Nadal returning and successful?

A: I would not dare say that he cannot come again and win at Roland Garros after every little thing he has completed there. So long as he retains taking part in he may have his probabilities. It jogs my memory of LeBron James, who continues to indicate that he’s an ideal participant, however on the finish of the matches it takes its toll. There are too many expectations positioned on him and he’s of an age. And by some means that can occur to Nadal, who will at all times be anticipated to do his finest. Let’s examine what occurs as a result of subsequent yr he shall be 38 years outdated.

Q: Are the bets on who will win in Paris extra open than ever?

A: The match is extra thrilling from the perspective that there shall be a brand new champion until Djokovic wins once more.

Q: Does Nadal’s withdrawal change Djokovic’s strategy and expectations for the match?

A: I feel he’ll strategy it in the identical method, figuring out that there are a lot of extra gamers who can take the trophy. He may have rivals like [Carlos] Alcaraz, [Holger] Rune, [Daniil] Medvedev is taking part in properly and he comes from successful in Rome… The draw can even have an affect. I assume Djokovic will not wish to fall on Alcaraz‘s aspect. It is all of the extra attention-grabbing due to the truth that Medvedev is available in as quantity two.

Q: Djokovic will be capable to play occasions in america once more as a result of the journey ban on these not vaccinated towards Covid has been lifted. Do you see him having an opportunity of successful all 4 majors in the identical season?

A: The choices are there, for positive. His problem is to be one of the best in historical past and win extra Grand Slam titles than anybody else. He’s the one one who appears prepared to interrupt extra data. Within the final yr and a half, he is had some good occasions and a few robust occasions.

Q: Along with Alcaraz, one other of probably the most excellent younger gamers on the circuit is Jannik Sinner. What’s he lacking to take a step additional?

A: The very first thing is to be wholesome. He’s having plenty of bodily issues, typically that could be a product of the stress that one feels due to the expectations positioned on him. I do not know if he trains an excessive amount of or not sufficient. I am not in his day-to-day life. I do know he is signed Darren Cahill to make that step ahead and there are occasions when it appears to be like like he could make that step ahead. He might have received the US Open if he had received his match with Alcaraz. I would be very stunned if he would not win a Grand Slam quickly. When he stops getting injured his confidence goes to extend.

Q: How far can Medvedev, the newly topped champion in Rome, go?

A: It’s best to at all times count on good issues from somebody who moved so properly on a quick floor. He has understood that on clay there are unhealthy bounces, you slip. It is true that the clay in Rome helped him as a result of it was moist and it was simpler to maneuver. We’ve but to see him on a dry court docket. Folks can count on him to go far at Roland Garros, to the semi-finals and even the ultimate. The opponents within the first week are going to have an affect on the consequence he may get.

Q: Folks speak in regards to the significance of the psychological side of tennis. Aryna Sabalenka dedicated many double faults and has stopped making them.

A: That reveals how a lot she has improved her mentality. Possibly she would not function laborious on the primary serve, and she or he appears to be like extra on the share, and the second serve she hits tougher. For me the serve is crucial shot in tennis. She has already received a giant one just like the Australian Open and that makes you a unique participant than prior to now.

Q: Alexander Zverev appears to be like totally different since he broke his ankle final yr.

A: He had an ideal probability to beat Nadal within the final semi-finals, nd I have no idea if he’s already at 100%. But when I needed to make an inventory of eight candidates for the title he would at all times be on it.

Q: The French Open provides tennis gamers an utility to guard their social media from insults.

A: I’ve by no means had social media so I haven’t got to undergo this stuff. The extra protected they’re, the higher for his or her efficiency.

Q: Who do you see as the principle favorite for the title?

A: Alcaraz, first, after which Djokovic. We’re on the finish of an period and others like Carlos and Rune are coming. The Spaniard confirmed that he’s prepared, the remainder of the kids will not be prepared but.

Q: With the farewell of the ‘Massive Three’ there shall be extra new faces among the many winners of the 4 majors?

A: You may predict if Alcaraz will win 10 or extra. Rune will win a number of too. I feel there shall be a gaggle of gamers who will win one or two majors.

Q: Who’s below probably the most stress in Paris?

A: It is laborious to say, however Alcaraz is the brand new man, the one who has introduced contemporary air, with such electrifying tennis. He has a lot persona that everybody needs him to win and I feel he feels it. I need him to do properly. He is 20 years outdated and he is already earned himself the poster as an envoy for our sport. Djokovic hasn’t been given the respect he deserves. You may agree with him or not.