John McEnroe has made a bizarre claim about Jannik Sinner, despite suggesting he could beat Rafael Nadal in his prime.
Much like many fans and pundits, McEnroe was floored by the Roland Garros final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
After Alcaraz prevailed in a five-set classic, McEnroe suggested the top two players of their generation were just as good as Rafael Nadal in the clay.
Just days removed from that outlandish statement, McEnroe has directly contrasted his views with another opinion on the Italian.
John McEnroe says he wouldn’t pay to watch Jannik Sinner
McEnroe offered Sinner a backhanded compliment after his Roland Garros final loss, suggesting he doesn’t have the same X-factor as Alcaraz.
“Both him and Alcaraz have unique elements,” McEnroe told Corriere della Sera (h/t to GB News) about the World No. 1.
The five-time Wimbledon winner is incredibly impressed by Sinner’s current ability on the court, but admitted he prefers Alcaraz’s game.
“Alcaraz is brighter, Sinner is more consistent,” McEnroe explained. “I am struck by the sound of Jannik’s ball: I have never heard anything like it.”
However, the American great suggested Sinner isn’t putting bums on seats in the same way the Spaniard is.
The 66-year-old explained: “Carlos is the greatest gift the post-Big Three generation could give us. And he is the only tennis player I would pay a ticket for.”
Sinner has three Grand Slams to Alcaraz’s five, and the Italian is two years older than his Spanish rival. Sinner won back-to-back Australian Open crowns in 2024 and 2025.
The Italian’s career was slightly derailed by a three-month suspension due to a positive test for Clostebol in February 2025.
Both Alcaraz and Sinner will compete at Wimbledon, with differing records at the iconic grass court tournament.
Sinner’s best performance was a semi-final appearance in 2023, while Alcaraz has won the event in back-to-back years.
What did Jannik Sinner say after Carlos Alcaraz defeat?
It will no doubt take time for Sinner to recover from his five-set epic with Alcaraz, which he arguably should have won.
The Italian failed to capitalise on three championship points in a row that were stunningly saved by his Spanish opponent.
After the disappointment of missing out on his first French Open crown, Sinner took to social media to share his disappointment.
“Congrats to Alcaraz and the team. I gave all I had, [but it] didn’t pay off this time,” said Sinner on X less than 24 hours removed from the final.
Sinner is expected to play Halle in Germany ahead of his appearance at Wimbledon, which begins on June 16.