"Most embarrassing thing John McEnroe ever said" - Fans furious at American claiming Rafael Nadal won't be favorite against Sinner & Alcaraz on clay

John McEnroe made a bold claim about Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's chances against prime Rafael Nadal on clay. However, his claim wasn't enjoyed by tennis fans, who felt the 14-time French Open champion was being disrespected.

The moment the tennis world was waiting with bated breath for years, finally came to fruition at the 2025 French Open, as Sinner and Alcaraz faced each other in their rivalry's maiden Grand Slam final. However, what became the talk of the tennis town ahead of their blockbuster was tennis legend McEnroe's surprising claim.

McEnroe made what was a 'semi-crazy' claim that one could seriously argue Sinner and Alcaraz possessed the tennis arsenal to defeat the 'King of Clay' Rafael Nadal, on clay. The 38-year-old dominated the surface for nearly two decades and boasts an unparalleled resume on the surface, which includes 63 titles, 14 of which came at the French Open.

"I think it is really important for people to realize, and I know this is semi crazy to say this because we just watched the three greatest players that ever lived over the course of the last 20 years, Roger obviously, Rafa. And Novak.

"These 2 guys, to me, you take a look at them bringing their A-Game right now, and I'm saying Sinner and Alcaraz against Rafael Nadal on clay, he won this 14 times, it's like trying to beat Chris Evert in the 70s and 80s on clay. You would make a serious argument with both guys that they would be the favorite to beat Nadal at his best," John McEnroe said.

However, fans took umbrage at the American tennis legend's comments, with one fan calling his most embarrassing claim. McEnroe has often come under fire from fans for his various views on tennis.

"John spews a lot of rubbish but damn, this has got to be the most embarassing thing he’s ever said," the fan said.

Another fan demanded that the microphone be taken away from John McEnroe as they felt his comments were disrespectful.

"Take the mic away from this unc fgs…Rafa hasn’t won 14 RGs to be disrespected like this," the fan commented.

Here are some other reactions from tennis fans.

"You can’t be serious!" a fan quipped.

"Those guys need to stop commenting they continue with their horribles opinions just to make the headlines !" a fan opined.

"This is so funny???? Imagine thinking anyone would be the favorite to beat Rafa at his best on clay???? Like okay let's go home grandpa," a fan commented.

"This guy has lost it - even 2022 Nadal will beat any form of sinner and Alcaraz," a fan stated.

However, McEnroe also opined that the two young superstars won't be able to reach the Big 3 Grand Slam tally.

John McEnroe feels Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner won't match the Big 3's Grand Slam tally: "It's impossible to be anywhere near"

2025 French Open - Day Fifteen - Source: Getty

Continuing his thoughts, John McEnroe also felt that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner won't be able to match Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic's tally of 20, 22, and 24 Grand Slam titles. The Spaniard has four Majors and the Italian has three ahead of their French Open final.

"Do I think they're going to reach 20, 22, 24, either one of them? No. Because I think that plateau is so high, it's impossible to be anywhere near because there's more depth in their game, bigger hitters, more things happen," John McEnroe said.

Sinner had taken the opening set 6-4 at the time this article was published.