Legendary American tennis veteran Johan McEnroe has hailed Carlos Alcaraz as “one in a billion” and “a freak”, while adding that “most kids have no business doing that.”
The tennis commentator also divulged that he would have quit the sport at “16 or 17” if it was for training at Nick Bollettieri Academy. The 7-time Grand Slam champion launched his own academy in Manhattan, NYC in 2010 and currently works as a tennis presenter and commentator with ESPN.
Alcaraz who celebrated his 20th birthday, earlier in May is a 2-time major champion and has also served a couple of stints as World No. 1. The Murcian became the youngest player to get at the very top of ATP ranking after he edged Casper Ruud in four sets to claim his maiden Grand Slam at the US Open back in 2022.
The Spaniard then overcame Novak Djokovic in a five set marathon final at 2023 Wimbledon Championships earlier in July to seal his second Grand Slam title and in process also dismantling Novak’s 34-match win streak at the All England Club.
Talking in an episode of the SmartLess podcast, McEnroe highlighted the importance of playing other sports and attending college for young tennis players.
“I grew up in Queens. The best thing that ever happened to me was not going to a [Nick] Bollettieri-style camp. I would’ve quit the game at 16 or 17. I love to play other sports,” said the American.
“All studies show, both physically and mentally, it’s healthier for kids to play other sports. This idea that you’ve got to go all in in soccer or basketball is a bunch of, can you say bull***t on this, it’s total BS.
“The truth is, what I base my beliefs on and what this academy is all about, that you should play other sports and you should come to this a little later. Tennis players are peaking later than they ever did.
“I think college is an experience that not only do you get to play as a team potentially if you’re in a sport, but you get to grow up a little bit and also have some fun before you work your way into a profession, and you’ll be more prepared to handle it. So I completely disagree with what they do most often.”
The 77-time tour titlist also explained how difficult it is for younger lot to turn professional and used the mention Alcaraz’s talent as an example to prove his point.
“For every person you hear that succeeds, there’s a million that don’t. Not everyone’s Carlos Alcaraz, he’s one in a billion. He’s just a freak. He’s an incredible player, but most kids have no business doing that,” said the American former World No. 1.
Alcaraz secured six titles during a successful 2023 season but has faced a surprise dip after clinching the Wimbledon, making it the last event he won on the tour. Since then the World No. 2 has reached only one championship match in the six events he entered. Last week, the 20-year-old suffered an upset loss against Roman Safiullin in the opener at Paris-Bercy Masters.