"Absurd statement; sick and tired of this propaganda" - Tennis fans react to John McEnroe's hardcourt comparison between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz's incredible court coverage throughout the ongoing US Open, particularly in his quarterfinal against Jannik Sinner, has left tennis legend John McEnroe impressed. So much so that McEnroe gave Alcaraz the edge over Novak Djokovic in terms of court coverage on hardcourt, much to the dissent of a section of the tennis fan community.

Djokovic has won 12 of his 21 Grand Slam titles on hardcourt and is often regarded as the best player ever on the surface. Alcaraz, on his part, has rapidly improved his hardcourt game and won his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title on the surface - at the Miami Open - earlier this year.

The Spanish youngster has now backed up his 2021 US Open quarterfinal run with at least a semifinal appearance this year. His shot-making ability and effortless court coverage during the epic clash against Sinner on Wednesday often left spectators awestruck.

After the match McEnroe compared Alcaraz to Djokovic on hardcourt, giving him the edge over the Serbian great.

Not surprisingly, several fans took exception to McEnroe's comment.

"Novak still slides significantly better than Alcaraz even though he’s lost a step speed wise…I’m sick and tired of this Alcaraz propaganda. Tiafoe needs to take down this Spaniard as well," one fan wrote on Twitter reacting to McEnroe's claim.

Another fan opined that Djokovic's court coverage skills are second to none, even if Alcaraz is highly impressive himself.

"Alcaraz’s court coverage is ridiculously good but Djokovic is on a completely different level. No one has ever come close," read another tweet.

Here are a few more reactions from tennis fans to John McEnroe's comments comparing Carlos Alcaraz to Novak Djokovic:

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"Going to be really, really tough" - Carlos Alcaraz on US Open semifinal against Frances Tiafoe

Carlos Alcaraz in action at the 2022 US Open.

Carlos Alcaraz edged Jannik Sinner to reach the US Open semifinals, winning the latest match in a rivalry that many believe could emulate the one between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Alcaraz is close to clinching the World No. 1 spot, and his next challenge is the in-form American star Frances Tiafoe. The young Spaniard expects an extremely tough battle against the American, who defeated Nadal in the fourth round.

"It's going to be really, really tough," Carlos Alcaraz said in a press conference. "Frances, everybody know the level of Frances. He has beaten Rafa Nadal, Rublev in three sets. He's playing unbelievable right now. High confidence."

The 19-year-old is aware that the New York crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium will favor his opponent on Friday night, given that he is two wins away from becoming the first American male player since Andy Roddick in 2003 to win a singles Grand Slam title. Meanwhile, Alcaraz is aiming to become the youngest ever ATP No. 1.

"He loves the crowd. He loves this court. I'm going to have to put my best. But right now I'm thinking about this match. I'm enjoying this moment. I have a day of rest to think about the semifinal. But right now I'm going to enjoy with my team, my family, and that's all," Alcaraz said further.

Alcaraz and Tiafoe have faced each other just once before on the ATP tour, at the 2021 Barcelona Open. Tiafoe won that first round match 6-4, 7-6(2).