John McEnroe has conducted a thorough analysis of the leading players in the ongoing tournament, particularly focusing on Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. He expressed surprise at Djokovic’s recent triumph over Jannik Sinner, emphasizing the remarkable tenacity of the Serbian star. “We probably assumed that the student was a little better than the teacher, and much younger, and presumably more ambitious. But in the end, it was the teacher who taught the student,” McEnroe stated in an interview. This reflection on Djokovic’s accomplishments carries weight, especially considering that he is approaching 39 years of age and is vying to become the oldest Grand Slam champion in the Open Era.
McEnroe praised Djokovic’s ability to elevate his performance after returning from a brief hiatus in the tournament. “It is absolutely incredible that he reached the final. But beyond the numbers, what is astonishing is how Novak raised his level after the match against Lorenzo Musetti and after not having played much before facing Jannik,” he remarked. This final marks Djokovic’s chance to claim a historic 25th Grand Slam title and his 11th Australian Open championship. Alcaraz, on the other hand, is aiming to secure his place as the youngest player to complete the Career Grand Slam by clinching his seventh major trophy.
“History will be made, no matter who wins,” McEnroe noted, highlighting the significance of the match. Both players represent a new chapter in tennis, with Alcaraz currently ranked number one and Djokovic holding the second position. The challenge of Djokovic potentially defeating both the second and first-ranked players back to back is a rare feat, emphasized by McEnroe’s admiration for their abilities.
Additionally, McEnroe acknowledged the burgeoning rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner, who have each won four Grand Slam titles in 2024 and 2025. Their recent encounters in three consecutive finals have hinted at their potential dominance in the sport. McEnroe commented on their rapid evolution, praising their ability to adapt their playing styles and showcasing the blend of emotional intensity and technical brilliance that defines modern tennis.
Regarding coaching preferences, McEnroe expressed his respect for both players and the excellent support they receive from their respective coaching teams. He noted his admiration for Alcaraz’s remarkable skills despite being on the shorter side in terms of height compared to other players. “Honestly, I would enjoy it with either of them; the only thing I would do is give them a pat on the back and wish them luck before they step on court,” he added.
On the topic of Alcaraz’s recent split with his long-term coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, McEnroe acknowledged the transition, underscoring the necessity for players to adapt and improve continually. He cited that successful players often process their game independently but still require mental support from their coaches during critical moments.
As Alcaraz continues to develop his game while maintaining his flair for showmanship, McEnroe reassured fans that losing some spectacular elements is not a concern. Instead, he pointed out Alcaraz’s maturity and his understanding of his strengths. McEnroe observed that living under constant comparison to legends like Rafael Nadal is challenging, yet both Alcaraz and Sinner are handling the pressure remarkably well.
The anticipation surrounding the final between Djokovic and Alcaraz reflects a pivotal moment in tennis history, with both athletes carrying hopes of further cementing their legacies. The excitement for this clash of champions promises to deliver a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.