John McEnroe has raised concerns that injury problems could threaten Carlos Alcaraz’s future despite the Spaniard continuing his impressive comeback with another US Open victory.
The American great invoked the example of Bjorn Borg, his rival who stepped away from regular competitive tennis after playing his final match at just 25.
McEnroe insisted it would be “terrible” if Alcaraz was unable to rediscover his previous level following the wrist injury which kept him sidelined for four-and-a-half months.
“My great rival Björn Borg played his last match at 25,” McEnroe said during ESPN’s US Open coverage.
“That’s the last thing we want for Carlos. It would be terrible if he couldn’t become the player he was before the injury.”
His worrying assessment came after Alcaraz continued his encouraging return by defeating Wu Yibing in straight sets at Flushing Meadows.
The world No 3 has now overcome Roman Safiullin, Jaime Faria and Wu in New York, dropping only one set across those three matches.
Alcaraz arrived at the final Grand Slam of the year without preparation following his lengthy absence.
John McEnroe has raised concerns that injury problems could threaten Carlos Alcaraz’s future despite the Spaniard continuing his impressive comeback with another US Open victory
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Yet the defending champion has immediately re-established himself among the favourites to lift the trophy.
“To be honest, I’m better than I thought,” Alcaraz admitted after securing his place in the fourth round.
McEnroe does envisage a positive future if he’s able to stay fit.
The seven-time Grand Slam winner believes Alcaraz could finish his career among the most decorated players in tennis history, provided he remains healthy.
Five things to know about Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz | REUTERS
“If he stays in good health, he could win at least 10 more Grand Slam titles,” McEnroe predicted.
Alcaraz already possesses seven major crowns and is attempting to win his eighth at this year’s US Open.
Adding another 10 would take the 23-year-old to 17 Grand Slam singles titles.
That total would place him above Pete Sampras, Roy Emerson and McEnroe in the men’s all-time standings.
Only Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have more than 17 major men’s singles trophies.
Alcaraz will face American Tommy Paul on Sunday for a place in the US Open quarter-finals.
His potential route through the draw contains several home players.
Carlos Alcaraz embraces Wu Yibing at the next after charging on at the US Open | REUTERS
Ben Shelton could await in the last eight, while Frances Tiafoe is among his possible semi-final opponents.
Alexander Zverev currently appears the most likely finalist from the opposite side of the draw.
Alcaraz’s prospects have been strengthened by Jannik Sinner withdrawing from the tournament and Djokovic suffering a shock first-round defeat.
Their exits have removed two significant threats and increased the possibility of Alcaraz completing a remarkable title defence after more than four months away.
