John McEnroe is hoping for a Novak Djokovic v Carlos Alcaraz rematch at the US Open - 'Love to see that'

ByEurosport

Published 23/08/2023 at 06:15 GMT

John McEnroe hopes to see Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic face off again at the US Open this year. Alcaraz will be looking to defend his title against Djokovic who is returning to Flushing Meadows for the first time in two years. Alcaraz and Djokovic played out a three-set epic in Cincinnati on Sunday and John McEnroe admits he would "love to see" a rematch take place in New York.

John McEnroe says he would "love to see" Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz meet at the US Open for the first time.

The rivalry between the world No. 1 and the 23-time Grand Slam winner has flourished in the last 18 months with both players winning two matches apiece in their four head-to-head meetings.

In recent weeks the rivalry has become even more captivating with Alcaraz winning a five-set epic against the Serbian to lift his maiden Wimbledon title.

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In Cincinnati on Sunday, Djokovic came from championship point down to beat the 20-year-old in the longest best-of-three final in ATP Tour history to claim the 39th Masters title of his career.

The US Open main draw gets underway on August 28 and McEnroe admits he would "love" to see the pair face off again at Flushing Meadows.

"What Alcaraz has done in the last year is unbelievable," the Eurosport expert told members of the media ahead of the US Open.

"He's put himself in a position where you talk about him in the same way as Novak and Rafa [Nadal] in a way which is incredible.

"The best player I've ever seen at his age. It's incredible how good he is already. Novak is incredible how good he still is.

"Even though in America you want to see an American break through, everyone is saying 'oh I want to see Alcaraz play Novak' because he wasn't allowed to play. That was the first tournament in America he's played in two years in the States. The whole thing was crazy. It's a great story.

"To see the all-time great play against the young superstar is incredible. I'd love to see that match played again. The last couple of matches have all been close and incredible matches. Let's hope it lasts."

'One of the toughest matches I've ever played in my life' - Djokovic on epic Cincinnati final

• 'Insane... best non-major final ever?' - Djokovic v Alcaraz wows tennis world
• 'I still have some time left' - Kyrgios gives hope of a big comeback

Djokovic is returning to the US Open for the first time since 2021 and will be looking to win his fourth US Open title in New York.

McEnroe says Djokovic's consistency aged 36 is "unprecedented" and believes he still has more than a few years left in the game.

"He looked amazing [in the Cincinnati final]," he said.

"It was extremely hot and was struggling with the heat. He somehow found a way. It's unbelievable that he is so good at this age.

"The way he looks, it looks like he can do it 3-4 more years the way he is going.

"It's hard to believe that anyone can do it as well he is doing even at this age. It's unprecedented."

Highlights: Djokovic wins Cincinnati title in another classic battle against Alcaraz

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