John McEnroe says Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner could beat prime Rafael Nadal

Former World No.1 John McEnroe said Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner could have beaten Rafael Nadal at his prime. Alcaraz and Sinner produced one of the greatest Roland Garros finals, which lasted for 5 hours and 29 minutes.

In the end, it was Alcaraz, who defended his French Open title in a five-set thriller at Court Philippe Chatrier after saving three championship points in the fourth set.

Alcaraz and Sinner produced high-level tennis in Paris, which had the fans at the edge of their seats. 

McEnroe told TNT Sports: “You took a look at them bringing their A-game right now — I’m saying Sinner and Alcaraz against Nadal on clay — you would make a serious argument with both guys that they would be favored to beat Nadal, at his best.

“Do I think they’re going to reach, 20, 24 titles either one of them? No. Because I think that plateau is so hard it’s almost impossible; there’s more depth in the game, bigger hitters, and more things happen.

“But these two guys right now, it’s like when you watch the NBA and you say nobody could be better than Michael Jordan. The tennis level right now is higher than I’ve ever seen.”

Alcaraz said it was a privilege to share the court with Sinner and the Spaniard said the Italian will definitely win in Paris sooner than later.

“I’m just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament,” Alcaraz told Sinner.

“I’m sure you’re going to be champion not once, but many times. It’s a privilege to share the court with you in every tournament, making history with you.”

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal retired in 2024 and won a record-breaking 14 titles at Roland Garros.