John McEnroe is soaking up the Laver Cup atmosphere in San Francisco. After leading Team World as a captain for seven editions, the seven-time singles Major winner is enjoying encounters without duties, and in a good company!
Sharing the spotlight with Roger Federer, the American has not hidden his admiration for the new generation, with Carlos Alcaraz earning highest praise, as usual from McEnroe.
A left-hander drew on half a century of tennis memories and reflected on eras shaped by icons from Rod Laver to Novak Djokovic. Yet, in John's view, Alcaraz is rewriting the script as the most impressive 22-year-old ever!
McEnroe recalled his battles with Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl. After them, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras stepped onto the scene.
The sport then experienced the unprecedented dominance of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, the trio that wrote ultimate pages of tennis history. The Serb still writes them at 38!
After them, another Spaniard earned his place among tennis giants and McEnroe's praises. Carlos stands on six Major titles at 22 and sits atop the ATP throne following his US Open brilliance.
Alcaraz's combination of power, athleticism, variety and infectious joy on the court makes him the most complete player the game has ever seen at such a young age.
John is someone who competed against the legends and then witnessed modern gladiators. For the American, Carlos represents something unique - a champion whose game and maturity defy his age.
The Spaniard's next goal? The Laver Cup title defense following a stellar debut in Berlin last year and eight points for Team Europe.
"I have been watching tennis for over 50 years, idolizing Rod Laver. I played against Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl, my greatest rivals. We were followed by Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras, who played amazing tennis.
To top it off, we got Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, the three greatest players who have ever lived. Suddenly, somehow, along comes another guy from Spain, Carlos Alcaraz.
I saw him when he was 17 and thought, 'This guy is very quick and has talent.' Of all the players I have watched, I have never seen someone as good and complete as Carlos at his age.
He has been around for two or three years, achieving a lot while smiling," John McEnroe said.
