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Former champion John McEnroe on the eve of the Sinner-Alcaraz semi-final at Roland Garros: «Being number 1 in Italy can be disruptive, will Jannik hold up? I hope he has fun. Cahill is the best, he is the 4th tennis player who leads top »
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PARIS – Forty years ago the promised land of Jannik Sinner it turned into the purgatory of John McEnroe, beaten in five sets by Ivan Lendl after leading by two sets, and then 4-2 in the fourth. Same beach (the definition wouldn’t displease Djokovic, who is very critical of the state of the central court), same right bank. The genius he would never win Roland Garros again.
«I would prefer not to talk about it – laughs the graying unpunished man, here as a historic commentator for Eurosport, which broadcasts the tournament exclusively for Italy -, I try not to think about the defeat in Paris: it is my only regret. I want to believe it was a lesson in humility that made me a better man. Certainly not a better tennis player. However, believe it or not, I play golf with Lendl every now and then.”
John, from Monday Jannik Sinner will be the 29th number one in the history of tennis: does being Italian give him an advantage?
«Italy is a country that I know well: I played there, I gave concerts, my historic manager, Sergio Palmieri, is Roman. Italians are passionate and emotional like me, while Jannik is serious and staid. Becoming No. 1 in your country is a potentially disruptive role, you had a taste of it with Berrettini, finalist at Wimbledon. With what generosity will Sinner want to give himself to a starving country? He repeats that he is only focused on improvements. I’m curious to find out.”
There is a chasm between No. 2 and the summit, and you know something about it. Being the face of world tennis is no longer just about sport.
«A position that is not easy to hold, in fact. The eyes always on you, the pressure, everyone pulling at your jacket. Where does Sinner usually rest in Italy? Does he know that he will have to go around escorted? He is a quiet and reserved guy, who likes to travel under the radar: he will clash with the Italian enthusiasm. I hope he enjoys his role as leader and gives himself some room for maneuver otherwise the number one risks crushing him.”
«Cahill does a fantastic job with Sinner»
There was a time, not too long ago, when Mac was rumored to be Sinner’s mentor. Is it a small regret that you didn’t become one?
«Let’s clarify: the boy’s coach was Riccardo Piatti, who I’ve known all my life, but there was never an official proposal. I liked the idea, I would be available to travel 10-12 weeks a year, not full time. Nothing was done about it and that’s fine: Cahill is doing a fantastic job, he deserves the Hall of Fame as a coach. After Agassi, Hewitt and Halep, Jannik is the fourth tennis player he has taken to the top. The numbers speak for themselves: Sinner has chosen the best.”
Sinner-Alcaraz, tomorrow in the semifinals, is the match we were all waiting for.
«The rivalry we needed, the new Federer-Nadal. Jannik broke the ice with the Slam in Australia, Carlos is my favorite to watch: the electricity he brings to the court gives me joy. Contrast of characters and styles: very difficult prediction.”
The balance will revolve on the state of form: both come from an injury.
«Tennis is now played at sidereal speeds, with unprecedented violence. They are young but fragile kids, not indestructible superheroes. Jannik is certainly destined to be a multiple Slam winner, Carlos already is. His pursuit of Sinner’s throne will be exciting. I remember the years as number 2 as the best of my career. As a king, then, everything becomes more complicated.”
«Djokovic’s injury is scandalous»
Speaking of dethroned kings: do we want to talk about the madness of letting a 37-year-old, Djokovic, play until dawn?
“Shameful. Novak’s meniscus injury goes beyond all limits: what still needs to happen for the Slam organizers to come up with rules? Can you imagine what would happen if LeBron got hurt due to the absurdities of the NBA? The end of the world. I feel sorry for Djokovic, I hope to see him again at Wimbledon. The players should make themselves heard more but I certainly don’t expect them to listen to me today, after not having listened to me for 45 years.”
Should Nadal retire?
«No one can tell a champion when he has to stop, it is the most delicate and personal choice in the world. It seems to me that he still enjoys it: if he continues next year I don’t see Rafa’s image or legacy at risk. Let’s not joke.”
Is Alcaraz’s bunt the best ever?
«We’ve always done the drop, Carlos didn’t invent it. However, being the amazing shot creator that he is, he took it to another level. He also plays it on key points, like Jannik who integrated it into his strategy. It makes sense for him to use it: today we play very far from the baseline. It’s a weapon.”
Who wins in Paris, John?
«At first I would have said Zverev. Today I think the puzzle comes from the semi-final between the terrible guys, Jannik and Carlos, 43 years old between them. The tennis gods sent them to us.”
June 6, 2024 (modified June 6, 2024 | 4:03 pm)
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