Jannik Sinner and the dualism with Carlos Alcaraz: John McEnroe doesn’t mince words

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For John McEnroe, Roland Garros brings back bittersweet memories, such as the mixed doubles he won together with Mary Carillo in 1977 and the 1984 final he lost to Ivan Lendl after being ahead by two sets, but for him, too, it remains one of the most fascinating tournaments in terms of atmosphere and champions involved. The’former U.S. tennis player, now a coach and pundit, indulged in a prediction for the 2025 edition, involving the two current best players on the circuit born after 2000, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

“I would be surprised if it is not one between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz who wins Roland Garros. They are way ahead of the others” he sentenced, speaking to ‘La Gazzetta dello Sport’. According to McEnroe, on clay the Murcian would have an advantage, also demonstrated in the final in Rome, although matches between the two are always tight and never have a real favorite on the eve.

The dualism between Sinner and Alcaraz is characterized by a rivalry that is anything but bitter, with the two exchanging great compliments with each other. For John McEnroe, the key to their next direct clash (which, on paper, could come right in the final in Paris) would be physical condition: “Perhaps this is the aspect in which Jannik can really grow” he said.

In any case, the winner of seven Slam tournaments in singles and 10 in doubles does not rule out that Novak Djokovic could break the bank for one’last time: “I would never want to face him in a tournament like that, because he plays at home” said McEnroe talking about the three-time winner in Paris, last time in 2023 beating Casper Ruud in the final.

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