Former player and vociferous tennis commentator John McEnroe has lauded Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, but isn’t sure if he can give them advice. Alcaraz is set to face Novak Djokovic in the 2026 Australian Open final at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, February 1.
The Spaniard played arguably his best match in this edition of the tournament against Alexander Zverev in the semifinals on Friday. Battling serious cramps, Alcaraz won a thrilling five-setter to book his place in the final and keep his hopes for the career Grand Slam alive. The 22-year-old was staring down the exit gates in the deciding set, but somehow used his racket like a magic wand to power his way into Sunday’s summit clash.
Fans and analysts applauded the Spaniard’s tenacious win, and McEnroe was among the many legends who showered praise on the six-time Major winner. In an exclusive interview with EL PAÍS, McEnroe was asked who he would like to coach, Sinner or Alcaraz.
“Anyone who has heard me commentate on matches knows that Alcaraz is probably my favorite player; it’s incredible what he can do on a tennis court, and he’s not even particularly tall; maybe half a centimeter taller than me,” McEnroe said.
“Honestly, I’d enjoy watching either of them. All I’d do is give them a pat on the back and wish them luck before they stepped onto the court. I don’t know to what extent I’d actually have anything to say to them,” he added.
Carlos Alcaraz Will Aim to Level His H2H Record Against Djokovic and Target Career Grand Slam Honor in Australian Open Final
Novak Djokovic leads Carlos Alcaraz in their head-to-head record, 5-4, but the Spaniard should not be affected by this, as he seeks to become the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam by winning his first Major in Melbourne. Last year, Alcaraz faced Djokovic twice on hard courts, losing the Australian Open quarterfinal while winning the US Open semifinal.
Thereby, the in-form Spaniard, with age on his side, will look to halt the Serb’s march towards a record-extending 11th Australian Open title. This is expected to be a fierce showdown between two players who clocked more than four hours in their penultimate matches of the tournament.
The Australian Open men’s singles final will be played at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, with the first serve scheduled at 7:30 p.m. local time.
Also read:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
