McEnroe and a strange 'jab' after Zverev's title: "Please let Alcaraz and Sinner be healthy"
The triumph of Alexander Zverev at the US Open 2026 is giving rise to a multitude of debates and reflections regarding the competition faced by the German. In this 2026, the multiple Grand Slam champion only faced two top-10 players along the way, a level of opposition very different from that of other great champions. That said, his victory yesterday was indisputable, a demonstration of hierarchy and how much his attitude and mentality have changed in these events: it is hard to overshadow his victory by recalling other names... but John McEnroe managed to do so.
Johnny Mac usually speaks his mind, but his latest mention during the final broadcast on ESPN came across as almost out of context, a kind of cry for help that came from within, something unplanned. As he bid farewell to the collaborators and pointed out that the next event will be Australia, eager for the first Grand Slam of 2027 to begin, the American's comment caught everyone by surprise: "Carlos and Jannik, stay healthy", followed by a "Please" from the host before he returned to reflect on Sascha.
This is how the commentary feed ended after the Zverev and Shelton US Open trophy ceremony.
"Get healthy Carlos and Jannik."
"Please"
ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ pic.twitter.com/sUbWxJXQAa— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 13, 2026
Can Zverev compete against the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner in Grand Slams?
Aside from the comment from McEnroe, who has dropped several gems during this US Open (remember what he told Mariano Navone after his victory against Djokovic, almost sending him to one of the outer courts after the most important win of his career), recalling Carlos and Jannik opens the door for fans to debate and shift the focus of discussion to a very different area.
Can Sascha achieve the same when facing the Spaniard and the Italian? Not for nothing did Sinner stop him in the last Wimbledon final, something that perhaps John took into account... but it does not seem the right time or place, after signing such a feat, to call for the return of two guys who have not been able to physically bear the weight and demands of the calendar. Zverev can, waiting for his opportunity, being the best of the rest and playing much better than his previous timid version. All the credit in the world... and yes, wait for an Australia that will deliver a verdict.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, McEnroe y una extraña "puyita" tras el tÃtulo de Zverev: "Que Alcaraz y Sinner estén sanos, por favor"