Roger Federer’s ex-coach, Ivan Ljubicic, has criticized John McEnroe for making unfounded remarks about Rafael Nadal during the recent French Open tournament. McEnroe stirred controversy by suggesting that either Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz could have defeated Nadal at his prime on the clay courts of Paris.
Sinner and Alcaraz, seen as the new faces of men’s tennis, delivered an unforgettable match at the Roland-Garros final, with Nadal ultimately triumphing in a stunning comeback from being two sets down to secure his fifth major and second French Open title.
The two players met again at Wimbledon, where Sinner managed to avenge his previous loss to Alcaraz and claim his fourth Grand Slam title.
McEnroe’s comments after the intense final were interpreted as disrespectful towards Nadal, who has a remarkable 14 French Open titles to his name. Ljubicic, a former player who coached Federer, expressed disagreement with McEnroe’s views, emphasizing that Alcaraz and Sinner still have room to grow and that their potential should not overshadow past greats like Nadal and Federer.
McEnroe later clarified his stance, acknowledging the evolving nature of the game and the increased competitiveness among players. He highlighted the significant changes in the tennis landscape over the years, emphasizing the respect owed to legends like Nadal and Federer.
Overall, the tennis world continues to witness the emergence of new talents while recognizing the enduring legacy of iconic players like Nadal and Federer.