"That was the B Carlos Alcaraz": John McEnroe says Spaniard was a 'little bit flat' despite outrageous skill against Sonego
ATP
John McEnroe believes that Carlos Alcaraz was slightly flat during his win over Lorenzo Sonego but the fact that he found a way to win shows a true champions mentality and one that he is going to learn further.
Alcaraz in particular produced some utterly outrageous shot making and skill during his win over the Italian which McEnroe called the B version of the Wimbledon champion as he took it 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-3, 7-6(3) on Rod Laver Arena to reach the third round and keep his charge alive.
“What Carlos brings to the table is that incredible love of being out there and competing; pulling off what you consider to be unthinkable,” said the seven-time Grand Slam champion on Eurosport.
“In this match, for him, I thought he was a little bit flat. He just didn’t have that game that we usually see.
“He got that job done, and that’s the sign of a champion. He’s only 20, so he’s still going to learn.
“You win when you’re not playing your best, that was the ‘B’ Carlos Alcaraz, but he did what he had to do.”
Alcaraz's round the net shot in particular left tennis fans purring and John McEnroe joked that he hit 74 winners around the net once and pointed out a time in which he did it in Dallas against Ivan Lendl.
“[I’ve hit] 74 [winners around the net]! I’m kidding,” he said.
“I did do it once against Ivan Lendl in the final of a big event in Dallas which felt incredible.
“He said it went in between the net and the post, and it won me the match. It was 6-0 in the fifth set tie-breaker.
“It was a forehand, and the umpire gave me the point. That was the one occasion in my 15-year career that I can say thank you to the umpires.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
