John McEnroe, a giant of world tennis in his time, analyzed the course of Roland Garros so far.
One of the more beautiful stories of this year’s Roland Garros is Rafael Jódar, and Spanish journalists asked McEnroe about him at the start of the conversation.
“We had Carlos, that was very depressing. Rafa is not here, so we have a new Rafa (Jódar). Incredible. I like it because not only is this a big thing for tennis, but it’s also big for people who went to college for a bit, like me, you know, and it encourages kids. One year, okay, it’s not that big of a deal. But look at him, look at what is happening,” McEnroe said at the beginning of the conversation with journalists in Paris, and then reflected on Jódar’s chances to beat Zverev in the quarter-finals.
“You know, anything is possible. I mean, Zverev is obviously the favorite to win the tournament. This is his big chance, but he will feel the pressure, and he seems like he is wise, mature for his age, so anything can happen.”
FIND OUT MORE
Does he miss Alcaraz, the still-reigning champion?
“Yes. I was very depressed before I came here. I was very worried about him. I am still worried about him. So I want him to come back quickly. Therefore, please give him my regards.”
A question about Novak Đoković, short and clear – can he win Wimbledon?
“I think his best chance is Wimbledon. Because he knows how to play on grass so well, plus Carlos is not playing now… So, if he is going to win another one, I would bet that it will be there.”
The topic was also Serena Williams, who is returning to the WTA tour in a couple of weeks, in doubles at Queen’s.
“Oh, man. I am very surprised, but, obviously she has some ideas, because I don’t believe she is coming back without planning to win. So, I guess she will play a bit of doubles, and maybe… Will she play singles at Wimbledon? Oh my god, that would be incredible. It would be very interesting. She won’t get any younger, but she is Serena Williams. So, I bet she is coming back with a desire to win the whole tournament.”
For the end, an opinion on João Fonseca.
“I love Fonseca. For a young kid, he is very respectful, he is hungry for success. The whole world was on his shoulders. People want him to do well so much all over the world. American television is hoping he will reach the final. That is how big of a star he has become. And now he justifies it on the court. So, despite all expectations and hype, he is starting to figure things out, and that is great to see because he is a great young kid,” McEnroe underlined the conversation with journalists in Paris.
MORE TOPICS:
TRUMP PRESENTS THE NOMINATIONS: Here is who the new American ambassadors to Serbia and BiH will be!
Source: B92; Photo: Printscreen Instagram @wimbledon