French Open: ‘He is incredible for the game’ – John McEnroe lauds ‘electric’ and ‘unique’ Carlos Alcaraz

John McEnroe has once again heaped praise on Carlos Alcaraz, saying the 21-year-old Spaniard is “electric” and “incredible for the game”. Alcaraz has established himself as one of the most well-rounded and exciting players to watch and kept his hopes of a first French Open crown alive with a sublime straight-sets victory over Sebastian Korda in the third round.

Sebastian Korda v Carlos Alcaraz - Roland-Garros highlights

Video credit: TNT Sports

Eurosport expert John McEnroe believes the “electric” Carlos Alcaraz is an “incredible” asset for the sport as the Spaniard continues to turn heads with his thrilling brand of tennis.

Alcaraz booked his spot in the fourth round of the French Open after beating Sebastian Korda in straight sets as the pair put on a ball-striking masterclass on the iconic Court Philippe Chatrier.

The 21-year-old came into the match with question marks over his form after an unconvincing four-set win over qualifier Jesper De Jong in the second round, but put some of those concerns to bed with his scintillating display against America’s Korda.

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He was forced to dig deep and rely on all of his weapons, showcasing why he is rightly classed as one of the game’s most exciting players to watch.

McEnroe himself admitted he was “worried” preceding the clash with Korda but has made no secret of his admiration for Alcaraz since he roared onto the scene.

“Alcaraz is a unique individual,” McEnroe told Eurosport. “He’s exciting, the most fun to watch, most athletic, got more game than anyone I’ve ever seen his age. The guy just turned 21, unbelievable that he can do anything.

“As a matter of fact, because he can do anything, sometimes he tries the extraordinary instead of the high-percentage shot. I think as his career moves along he’ll start to pull back that little bit because he talks about wanting to excite the crowd and give the crowd its money’s worth, and sometimes it may get in the way of winning the match easier than he would normally.

“I think he should have won the match the other day in straight sets but he sort of lost his way a little bit trying to do the spectacular, but I absolutely love watching this young kid play. He is electric, he is incredible for the game.”

'I'm feeling amazing' - Alcaraz 'excited' to continue French Open journey after third-round win

Video credit: TNT Sports

Korda gave as good as he got but it ultimately wasn’t enough to live with Alcaraz, who mixed vicious ground strokes with a series of delicate drop shots and lobs.

With his recent injury struggles, it was the sight of the world No. 3’s forehand firing on all cylinders that caught the eye of Tim Henman.

“It [the forehand] is phenomenal,” Henman said. “There’s been a little bit of a question mark about his forearm but there was no question mark about his forehand today.

“One of the forehands he hit was 162km/h – that’s a joke. That’s as fast as some people serve.

“His forehand was absolutely brilliant and it wasn’t always the pace, he’s adding spin to the ball as well.”

With Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner also appearing to be hitting something like top form, the battle to claim the men’s singles crown could yet be one for the ages.

However, if Alcaraz continues to improve, he will be tough to stop as he looks to clinch a first title at Roland-Garros and a third Grand Slam.

‘Are you kidding?!’ – Alcaraz unleashes blistering crosscourt forehand winner

Video credit: TNT Sports

“It was statement tennis,” Henman added. “He was looking to be very positive, so aggressive from the back of the court, his movement was good.

“Just listening to Alcaraz speaking after the match, he feels very comfortable and given the challenges of the tournament with all the bad weather, he’s got to be happy he’s got those three wins under his belt in the first week.”

You can watch every day of the 2024 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+

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