John McEnroe hails Jannik Sinner's US Open victory as a 'changing of the guard' alongside Carlos Alcaraz - and issues verdict on whether they can 'dominate like the Big Three' for years

Novak Djokovic has slipped to fourth in the world with Alexander Zverev second

John McEnroe called Jannik Sinner’s US Open victory ‘an official changing of the guard’ after the Italian and Carlos Alcaraz carved up the Grand Slams between them this season.

Sinner won the Australian Open, Alcaraz Roland Garros and Wimbledon. The only other male players in history to split the majors are Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in 2017, and Novak Djokovic and Nadal in 2019.

‘It’s an official changing of the guard,’ said McEnroe on ESPN. ‘When was the last time none of the Big Three won a Grand Slam? (it was 2002).

‘But I do think it will open the minds of other players to think they have a shot at it as well. These guys (Sinner and Alcaraz) can’t possibly - can they? - dominate like the Big Three have.

'Alexander Zverev is No2 in the world after this tournament. Those guys who have been bypassed, you would think it would increase the hunger to finally get over the hump and win one.’

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are 'changing the guard' in elite tennis, argues John McEnroe

They won two Grand Slams apiece this year, blocking out 24-time champion Novak Djokovic

McEnroe remains unconvinced that they can dominate the sport for years like the 'Big Three'

He can see Alexander Zverev finally winning a major after losing two finals in his career to date

Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and perhaps one of the American bunch led by beaten finalist Taylor Fritz will try to force themselves into the conversation but, at 23 and 21 respectively, Sinner and Alcaraz look set to win the vast majority of Slams over the next few years.

Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli suggested they could win ’16 to 18 Slams each’ but that seems ambitious.

It is likely at some stage that a third, younger challenger will emerge to disturb the status quo, as Djokovic did to break the Federer/Nadal stranglehold.

As the rankings refreshed yesterday, Djokovic fell two spots to No4 and Fritz entered the top 10 at seventh. Jack Draper is at a career-high 20th place after his run to the semi finals.

The 22-year-old tweeted: ‘Top 20! I remember 14 months ago I was sat on the coach at home watching the Wimbledon final and seeing my ranking drop outside top 100. Head was in the shed! Shows what consistent work and great people around you can do! Hungry for more.’

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