John McEnroe, a former tennis legend and current commentator, has shared his thoughts on the upcoming 2024 US Open, offering a blend of respect for the top contenders while cautioning against underestimating potential challengers. McEnroe acknowledged the dominance of Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner but highlighted the possibility of an unexpected victor emerging from the tournament.
McEnroe praised Djokovic for his incredible career, noting that the Serbian player has often been overshadowed by his contemporaries, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. “I think [Djokovic has] been underappreciated,” McEnroe said. “It’s been difficult for him to constantly be compared to Rafa [Nadal] and Roger [Federer]. He’s done an amazing job of putting himself ahead of those guys in many ways. It’s truly remarkable. In 10 or 20 years, I think people will love him even more. Once he stops playing, they’ll realize what he brought to the sport.”
As for the tournament, McEnroe believes that while Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Sinner are the frontrunners, other talented players could pose significant threats. He mentioned Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and Grigor Dimitrov as potential spoilers who could challenge the favorites. “The door is certainly open for a surprise,” McEnroe told Eurosport. “Probably still pick one of the big three guys to win it. I think there’s a handful of guys who could potentially step up. Obviously, Zverev is in the mix. Whether he can pull it off remains to be seen. Medvedev losing two straight matches on hard courts? Who would’ve thought that? Some of the American guys seem to be getting closer, and with a couple of good breaks, maybe one of them can make that next step. [Andrey] Rublev, for example, hasn’t made it past the quarters yet, but with a better draw, something favorable could happen. It’s hard to say. But honestly, even with all that in mind, I’d probably still pick one of the big three guys to win it.”
McEnroe also discussed the challenges facing Carlos Alcaraz, noting the young Spaniard’s recent mental and physical fatigue. Despite his admiration for Alcaraz’s versatility and positive attitude, McEnroe suggested that the pressure and exhaustion might affect his performance at the US Open. “Alcaraz is my favorite player to watch right now,” McEnroe remarked. “You know he brings everything. I like people that can do everything. It almost seems impossible that someone like him could stay so positive, always smiling. It’s hard to believe he wouldn’t get frustrated, especially in a sport as mentally tough as tennis. I’m sure, in a way, he probably needed a longer break. But maybe he felt some pressure because Novak wasn’t playing, and at 37. In hindsight, he probably would have been better off not playing at all. Given everything that’s happened, emotionally, it’s going to be a big ask for him to win this tournament.”
McEnroe emphasized that while Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Sinner are expected to dominate, the 2024 US Open could see an unexpected winner if any of these players falter. The tournament is poised to be an exciting and unpredictable event, with numerous skilled players ready to seize the opportunity.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
LWLLWLWWWW Ranked world no.3, Carlos played his last match on the 16th of August when he surrendered to world no.45 Gael Monfils 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4 in the 2nd round in Cincinnati (draw).
During this season Alcaraz achieved an overall 38-8 win-loss record. Carlos has won 3 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon. Carlos was the finalist in Paris.
Carlos Alcaraz will come up against the world no.354 Gabi Adrian Boitan in the . In the past, they have never played each other so far in top competitions.
Carlos clinched 3 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon. Carlos was the finalist in Paris (Olympics).
The Spaniard won 16 titles in his career: 4 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
He is also scheduled to play in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters) on the 30th of September and Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) on the 28th of October.
Novak Djokovic in 2024
LWWWWWWLWW Now the world no.2, Djokovic played his last match on the 4th of August when he beat world no.3 Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-6(2) in the final in Paris to win his 99th career title.
Currently, during this year Djokovic owns a composed 29-7 win-loss record. Djokovic conquered 1 title in Paris. Novak reached the final in Wimbledon.
Novak Djokovic will compete against the world no.138 Radu Albot in the 1st round on Monday at 9:00 pm on Arthur Ashe Stadium. They have never played each other so far in top events.
Djokovic has won 1 title in 2024 in Paris. The Serbian was the runner-up in Wimbledon.
Djokovic won 100 titles in his career: 53 on hard courts, 20 on clay courts, 19 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) after Shanghai. The main draw will start on the 30th of September.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic faced off 7 times. Their head to head is 4-3 for Djokovic. Before, the last time they played, Novak Djokovic won 7-6(3) 7-6(2) in the final in Paris (Olympics) on the 4th of August 2024.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic |
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