Jannik Sinner v Carlos Alcaraz has 'all the makings of a great match ...

Published 05/06/2024 at 16:42 GMT

John McEnroe believes the French Open semi-final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has “all the makings of a great match”.

Sinner, 22, and Alcaraz, 21, are two of the brightest stars in the sport and their head-to-head record sits level at 4-4.

They have served up several memorable clashes in the past, but this will be the first time they have met at a Grand Slam since the 2022 US Open quarter-finals.

Friday's meeting, live on Eurosport and discovery+, will also be the first time they have met at this stage of a major.

“That's what it's all about,” said Eurosport expert McEnroe.

“Tennis is an individual sport, but you need rivals and rivalries, and that certainly is the most obvious one. They’re 4-4 head-to-head and Jannik has broken through and won a major. So they're sort of on more or less equal footing.

“It's got all the makings of a great match… tough call to see who wins.

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“I heard someone say if Alcaraz wins this, he'd be the youngest guy to have won three majors on three different surfaces. Better than anyone, even Novak [Djokovic], Roger [Federer] or Rafa [Nadal]. That's an amazing thought.

“I just hope and pray these two stay healthy for the next 10 years.”

Alcaraz has so far won two Grand Slam titles compared to one for Sinner.

Alcaraz has spent time as world No. 1 while Sinner is set to top the rankings for the first time after the French Open following Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal.

McEnroe, who spoke to Alcaraz at a practice session at Roland-Garros this week, added: “I love watching Carlos. He's my favourite player to watch. He does everything.

“He brings an energy and a joy to the court that is almost unimaginable for ex-players. Athletes are able to handle the strain and pressures as well as he does. “

Both Alcaraz and Sinner came into the Grand Slam with injury doubts; Alcaraz battling a forearm issue and Sinner a hip problem.

However, both have looked in excellent form so far on their way to the last four.

“Sinner came in a little bit unsure,” said McEnroe. “He looks body-wise fine, same with Carlos. You worry about his arm.

"How much training he could have done, and you get bummed out, I would assume, if you're not able to play some events. Was he able to keep the leg strong?

“It looks like both of them did a great job, and they're ready to go.”

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