Category: Articles

John McEnroe has revealed he is “very impressed” with French sensation Lois Boisson as he labelled her run at the 2025 French Open a “dream story.”

Boisson has stunned the tennis world by reaching the semi-finals at her home Grand Slam as a wildcard, having started the event ranked 361st in the world.

The 22-year-old downed 24th seed Elise Mertens in the opening round before seeing off Anhelina Kalinina and Elsa Jacquemot in her following two matches.

The Frenchwoman then upset third seed Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a dramatic last 16 encounter.

In the quarter-finals, Boisson pulled off another shock as she defeated world No 6 Mirra Andreeva 7-6(6), 6-3 with an amazing display on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Having been the 24th highest-ranked French woman prior to her run, Boisson will remarkably become the French No 1 when the WTA Rankings update.

Speaking on TNT Sports, McEnroe gave his verdict on Boisson’s French Open heroics and highlighted her physical strength as a major asset.

“I’m very impressed. I mean, I’d never heard of her until this tournament and I’ve only seen her play the last couple rounds,” said the former world No 1.

“I’ve heard about the injury, she missed a lot of time. Her ranking is like 360, I’m sure that is something to do with the injury.

“I’ll tell you one thing, she looks like she’s spent a lot of time in the gym when she was hurt ’cause she looks very physically strong and fit. And to me, that ended up being the difference against this teenager Andreeva.

“She just looked like the grown up, the stronger of the two, and I think that really paid off, ’cause obviously it was a rollercoaster of a match in terms of the score. It could have gone either way.

French Open News

The 6 women to reach Grand Slam semi-finals as wildcards: Lois Boisson joins Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin

‘Lois Boisson is a top 20 player on any surface’ – former world No 1 amid French Open run

“Boisson, this is like a dream story. I mean are you kidding me? This is crazy. Is she even that known in France?”

The American icon also shared his thoughts on Andreeva losing her composure in the second set and firing a ball into the crowd in frustration.

“I liked that, at least she was into it,” McEnroe said. “But if you get frustrated it’s one thing, if the level of your game drops, there’s a way to do that where you try to… I’ve gotta be honest, I did that a few times in my career (hit a ball in frustration), maybe a few hundred.

“So I’m not gonna look at that and be like, ‘Oh my god, I can’t believe she hit a ball into the stands!’. I can’t believe how well and even tempered most of the players are and how they’re able to compose themselves on the court! That’s always amazed me, especially now.

“And when you’ve got a crowd that everyone’s against, and you’re 18 years old trying to sort of hit the big time, that’s a tough pill to swallow.”

Former world No 4 Tim Henman also weighed in on Boisson: “Boisson, she took out the third seed Jess Pegula, she had to back it up. She was against Mirra Andreeva and she did back it up. And I think that really speaks volumes to her attitude. They gave her a huge lift.”

Boisson will face world No 2 and 2023 US Open winner Coco Gauff in the semi-finals.

Watch TNT Sports’ and Eurosport’s exclusive coverage live from Roland Garros

READ NEXT: The 5 women to reach first Grand Slam semi-final on major debut: Boisson joins Evert, Seles

The post John McEnroe gives Lois Boisson verdict and admits he ‘liked’ anger from her French Open rival appeared first on Tennis365.

Jannik Sinner continued his imperious 2025 French Open title charge as he dismantled Alexander Bublik with a ruthless display in the quarter-finals.

The world No 1, who is yet to drop a set in his Roland Garros run, steamrolled 62nd-ranked Bublik 6-1, 7-5, 6-0 in an hour and 49 minutes.

Sinner broke the big-serving Bublik six times and saved the only two break points he faced. The Italian has not dropped serve since his opening round match against Arthur Rinderknech.

After his latest dominant win, Sinner said: “Well, we played already a couple of times before, so we know a little but what to expect. But you know the way with him, you never know what’s happening.

“I feel like he deserves to be in the quarter-finals, he beat very, very tough players. So I just tried to stay focused from my side of the court and just tried to play as solid as possible because he can have some slightly ups and downs.

“So I just tried to stay consistent throughout the match, I’m trying to serve very well in important moments, which I’ve done.

“So yeah, it was a good performance from my side because it’s also a bit windy and breezy, so things can be very complicated. Today, I warmed up with the roof closed because it was raining, then the sun came out, so a lot of different challenges on court, but I’m very happy.”

“We work a lot on having a good balance with my body, but against these kind of players, you have to be very consistent because if you make a lot of mistakes, it’s already a game where if we both serve very well, there are not so many rallies, so I tried to get rhythm with the rallies.

“But again, very happy with how I arrived to the semis, semi-finals in Grand Slams are very special. So I’m looking forward to it and let’s see what’s coming.”

Asked if he changes his racket tension to adjust to conditions, Sinner explained: “We always have some discussions with my team, I never really change the tension because I feel like I have a good feel with it so I don’t want to mess around as much.

“There are players, they change always, every day, but again, it shows that everyone is different. I just try to give the best I can, 100%, staying there with the right attitude, the mindset.”

French Open News

Jannik Sinner is already the ‘best player of all-time’ in one key area

Jannik Sinner locks in Wimbledon top seed status as Carlos Alcaraz’s wait for No 1 return continues

Sinner has now won 19 consecutive Grand Slam matches — a streak that, as well as his five Roland Garros wins, features his title runs at the 2025 Australian Open and the 2024 US Open.

The 23-year-old is the youngest man to win that many successive matches at majors since Rafael Nadal in 2008.

Nadal triumphed at the French Open and Wimbledon in 2008 before his Grand Slam streak ended with a US Open semi-final defeat.

Sinner is also the third youngest male player to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open and the French Open in back-to-back years after Jim Courier and Mats Wilander.

The Italian star will face either Alexander Zverev or Novak Djokovic in what promises to be a blockbuster semi-final clash.

Asked if he will watch the quarter-final between Zverev and Djokovic, the three-time Grand Slam champion said: “I think we will all a little bit watch, for sure.

“But in the other way, I also try to switch off my head because on Grand Slams, you are there always mentally and two weeks are very long events.

“I just try to go for dinner, trying to relax, trying to recover. It’s going to be a great match the next one, hopefully I will be ready. We all hope for a high-quality match, that’s what the fans want.”

READ NEXT: Jannik Sinner has one ‘fatal’ weakness that a brutal statistic confirms

The post How Jannik Sinner became youngest man since Rafael Nadal to amass a stellar Grand Slam streak appeared first on Tennis365.

Mats Wilander and Tim Henman have reacted to Lois Boisson’s sensational upset win against Mirra Andreeva at the 2025 French Open.

French wildcard Boisson produced the performance of her career to down sixth-ranked Andreeva 7-6(6), 6-3 in the quarter-finals at the Paris Grand Slam.

While Boisson stunned world No 3 Jessica Pegula in three sets in the last 16, her latest win was arguably her most impressive yet given Andreeva’s immense talent and clay-court pedigree.

The 22-year-old was ranked 361st prior to the tournament, and she is the first wildcard to reach the semi-finals of the French Open women’s singles event in the Open Era.

Boisson will take on world No 2 and 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff in the last four at Roland Garros on Thursday.

Speaking on TNT Sports, three-time French Open champion Wilander made some big statements about Boisson’s level and her chances against Gauff.

“She was absolutely brilliant. Technically, when you watch her play, she is really good,” assessed the Swede.

“Her forehand is incredibly strong — she puts more spin on it than the average top 50 man, which takes serious strength, and she has it. She runs and moves unbelievably well. She has a beautiful, sliced backhand, she can hit aces, and she quite literally has the whole game.

French Open News

Lois Boisson +296 in WTA Rankings with extraordinary Mirra Andreeva French Open upset

The 5 women to reach first Grand Slam semi-final on major debut: Boisson joins Evert, Seles

“You wonder whether it’s just injuries that have held her back, or if it’s more of a mental thing. Hopefully, this performance will give her the confidence she needs, because to me, she’s a top 20 player on any surface.

“I think it’s perfect for her [playing again tomorrow], she’s riding a wave. At normal tournaments you play every day, normally there or four days in a row if you do well. So, I think it’s perfect.

“I actually think she has a really good shot at beating Coco Gauff — because she was not that great today either.”

Henman, a former world No 4, highlighted the injury nightmare Boisson endured to get to this year’s French Open and hailed her latest display.

“It’s just been an incredible story, this fortnight. After an ACL injury last year, she was out of the equation — and the game — for nine months,” said the Brit.

“The way she’s come back and followed up the Jessica Pegula victory was remarkable. I thought, emotionally and technically, she wasn’t going to get close to winning this match, but she’s just been incredible.

“She handled it amazingly well. To come up against Andreeva in this environment was impressive. The way she competed was a phenomenal effort — mentally, physically, and technically.

“She’s straight into the semi-finals tomorrow, and that could actually work in her favour.”

Watch TNT Sports’ and Eurosport’s exclusive coverage live from Roland Garros

READ NEXT: How Coco Gauff set impressive French Open record and followed in Serena Williams’ footsteps

The post ‘Lois Boisson is a top 20 player on any surface’ – former world No 1 amid French Open run appeared first on Tennis365.

French sensation Lois Boisson delivered a stunning display to upset Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals of the 2025 French Open.

The 22-year-old wildcard prevailed 7-6(6), 6-3 against world No 6 Andreeva on Court Philippe-Chatrier to continue her fairytale Roland Garros run.

Boisson twice battled back from a break down and saved a set point before taking a thrilling opening set on a tiebreak.

The Frenchwoman fell 0-3 down in the second set, but won the next six games to seal a remarkable victory over the 18-year-old Russian star.

In her on-court interview, Boisson said: “It was unbelievable, it was amazing to feel supported like this. I have no words to describe that feeling.

“Whatever the situation last year and difficult moments we went through, it’s unbelievable to come from there, but it’s also thanks to my team who supported me. It’s thanks to all of us, really.

“Well, I think I ran a bit too much because I was so tense. It was difficult to hit the ball from the racket. I fought hard. The first set was very intense and at the beginning of the second set, I was really tired. But in the end, I managed to recover and to finish as I did.

French Open News

‘Lois Boisson is a top 20 player on any surface’ – former world No 1 amid French Open run

The 5 women to reach first Grand Slam semi-final on major debut: Boisson joins Evert, Seles

“Well, I’m going to try and recover, see the physios, there’s six physios in my box. So I have plenty of choice.”

Boisson missed the 2024 French Open after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury a week before the tournament.

She is the first player in the Open Era to reach the semi-finals of the French Open women’s singles event as a wildcard.

At the age of 22 years and nine days, Boisson has become the youngest French women’s semi-finalist at a Grand Slam since former world No 1 Amelie Mauresmo at Wimbledon in 1999.

Boisson was ranked 361st at the start of the tournament — and she has soared an incredible 296 places to a projected new career-high of 65th with the 780 points earned for reaching the last four.

It is the biggest ranking jump from a Grand Slam run since Emma Raducanu won the 2021 US Open as a qualifier. Raducanu rose 127 places from 150th to 23rd for her incredible triumph.

Boisson will face world No 2 Coco Gauff in the semi-finals on Thursday.

READ NEXT: How Coco Gauff set impressive French Open record and followed in Serena Williams’ footsteps

The post Lois Boisson +296 in WTA Rankings with extraordinary Mirra Andreeva French Open upset appeared first on Tennis365.

Novak Djokovic is set to face his biggest test at Roland Garros when he takes on Alexander Zverev in what will be a fascinating quarter-final showdown.

The 24-time Grand Slam-winning legend is chasing another major title that would see him move ahead of Margaret Court in the all-time list of major winners.

Yet the Serbian is not the force he once was and his former coach has predicted his German compatriot Zverev may be the favourite to win their showdown at Roland Garros.

“Novak Djokovic is only still playing tennis because he wants to win Grand Slam tournaments,” Becker told TNT Sports.

“The magical number of 25 is in the air, of course, which is why he’s probably most dangerous at Grand Slams.

More Tennis News

Novak Djokovic handed major ATP Rankings chance ahead of Alexander Zverev showdown

The 7 men with most French Open match wins: Rafael Nadal 112, Novak Djokovic hits milestone

“Sascha Zverev is perhaps physically the strongest player still competing. He loves the long matches, he loves the challenges. But you win the big matches in your head and not in your legs!

“Now I have to admit that Roland-Garros is a very physical tournament where you have to push yourself to your physical limits for three to four hours. Zverev has an advantage over Djokovic in that respect. But we’ll see what will be decisive in the end.

“Djokovic comes from the generation of Federer and Nadal, where mind games were sometimes decisive for a match. The younger players like Sinner, Alcaraz and Zverev are a bit more relaxed about it. But Novak will do everything he can and mobilise all his resources to win this match.

“It it comes down to physical fitness I would definitely favour Sascha Zverev. He’s the younger and fitter player.

“Of course, you also need mental strength in the fifth set, but above all you need air and fresh legs. He likes playing against Djokovic and has beaten him many times – most recently at the Australian Open, however, due to an injury.

“Compared to Djokovic’s record against almost all other players, Sascha is in a good position. He doesn’t mind playing against the legend, but reality is on the court.

“I still have to feel it, maybe I need to witness the first or second set. Then a feeling like that can develop better.

“For now, I think it’s 50:50. On paper, Sascha might be the slight favourite, but the matches have to be played first – and Djokovic will have a say in that.”

Djokovic was forced to retire from his Australian Open semi-final against Zverev in January due to an injury, with the German insisting he now expected to face peak Novak in their last eight clash in Paris.

“I mean, the guy won 24 Grand Slams. He’s never gonna be a black horse,” said Zverev, amid suggestions that he is the favourite to beat Djokovic on clay.

“He definitely knows how to play tennis. He definitely knows what it means to be on a big stage and play big matches. There’s no doubt about that.

“For me, Carlos (Alcaraz) is the favourite. I would say the next three in line are Jannik (Sinner), myself, and Novak. I still believe that.

“I still believe that in tennis and experience, Novak is up there with us. I think from now on, I have the toughest draw in the tournament. So I’m looking forward to the battles ahead. I’m looking forward to playing the best in the world.”

Watch every moment of the French Open live and exclusively on TNT Sports and discovery+

READ NEXT: Alexander Zverev asked if Novak Djokovic is a French Open ‘black horse or favourite’

The post Boris Becker picks a winner in epic Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev showdown appeared first on Tennis365.

Alexandra Eala has admitted she has a long way to go in her development before she is ready to compete with the top players in the game consistently.

Eala sent shockwaves through tennis as she beat Australian Open champion Madison Keys and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek amid a stunning run to the semi-finals at the Miami Open.

Those wins fired Eala into the top 100 of the WTA Rankings for the first time, but the 20-year-old has not repeated her Miami heroics in subsequent tournaments and she has told Tennis365 that time will be needed before she can challenge the game’s best players consistently.

Some observers have compared Eala’s breakthrough to that of Emma Raducanu after her 2021 US Open win, but she has stressed that her path to the time will not be fast-tracked.

“Do I feel like I am close to being a top ten player at this moment? I would say no,” conceded Eala in an exclusive interview with Tennis365 as she competes at the Lexus Birmingham Open.

More Tennis News

Alexandra Eala reveals how she has dealt with fame after her stunning tennis breakthrough

Alex Eala makes ‘fangirling’ confession about Rafael Nadal as she recalls first meeting the Spaniard

“My level is there and I show that at times, but there are certain reasons why these players are top 10 and I’m not there yet.

“That’s not to say I don’t have the potential to be there one day, but at the moment, I still have a lot more to work on in my game.

“It is a little bit of everything I need to improve on. Mentally, technically. You look at a top 10 player and they have so many matches each year.

“The average level they bring in each match is higher than the average level I bring at the moment. I have to try and work hard to get there.”

Eala gave us a glimpse into her mindset when she is on court with giants of the game like Swiatek and Keys, as she insists she is not intimidated by the reputation of an opponent.

“Of course there are going to be moments when you feel under pressure because these top players can play so well, but everyone has their own flaw,” she continued.

“When you play someone like Swiatek, you know there are going to be moments when they do amazing things, but there also be moments when you will have a chance.

“Nobody is perfect and you are always going to have a chance in every match. It all depends on you and how you perform in those moments.

“My self belief has always been there, but when you have a run like that, it makes you have even more belief. Now I feel like I’m in a good moment. It has helped me and sparked a bit more belief.”

Eala also spoke about her pride at the prospect of her success inspiring young girls back home in the Philippines to pick up a tennis racket, as she admitted that is the most satisfying part of her early success.

“It just warms my heart that people in my country are looking at what I am doing and might try tennis,” she added.

“I’m travelling all the time, so I don’t get to see what is happening with tennis in the Philippines, but I get sent a lot of videos and pictures of young people saying I am inspiring them and that is so exciting for me.

“The youth and especially the young girls who are inspired by me and that makes everything so warm for me. In terms of the scale of my impact back home, I don’t have a big idea about it and I just focus on what is important and that is my tennis and trying to improve.”

You can watch Eala in action at the Birmingham Open this week and tickets are available here.

READ NEXT: Alex Eala’s grass-court schedule revealed ahead of Wimbledon debut

The post Alexandra Eala makes honest confession as she compares herself to Iga Swiatek appeared first on Tennis365.

Iga Swiatek improved her incredible record at the French Open with a quarter-final victory against Elina Svitolina at Roland Garros.

The five-time Grand Slam champion, who is aiming to win a record fourth consecutive French Open crown, downed 14th-ranked Svitolina 6-1, 7-5 on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Swiatek was made to work hard by the 30-year-old Ukrainian in the opening set despite the scoreline, while she battled back from a 3-1 deficit in the second.

The world No 5 said: “I should have had better intensity in the beginning of the second set because Elina is this kind of player that plays better under pressure. When she loses, she kind of steps up always.

“So I needed to be ready for that and I’m happy that, immediately after I saw that my intensity went low, I just got it high again and I wanted to be proactive and leading the game. And I’m happy that I did that until the end of the set.”

Asked to explain the three aces she hit in the final game, Swiatek said: “I can’t (laughs). Honestly, you could see that the serve was kind of weird, also because of the wind. We both wanted to figure out how to do that, but at the end of the set, I felt like the wind went down a little bit, so I knew I can go for it.

“Also, I had new balls, so I just went all in. I think I hit three lines, so pretty proud of that. It doesn’t happen often, so it’s nice to win some points for free.”

Swiatek’s victory over Svitolina was her 26th consecutive win at the Paris Grand Slam, which sees her move above Monica Seles into second place for the longest women’s winning streaks at the event. Only Chris Evert (29) has won more successive French Open matches.

French Open News

The 7 women with highest French Open win percentage: Iga Swiatek one of two over 90%, Serena Williams 7th

Aryna Sabalenka extends stunning Grand Slam record with French Open quarter-final victory

The Pole has equalled Serena Williams for the longest winning streak at a women’s singles Grand Slam tournament this century. Williams won 26 US Open matches in a row between 2012 and 2015.

Across women’s and men’s tennis, Swiatek has become the joint-second fastest player to win 40 French Open matches, having matched Bjorn Borg by reaching the landmark in just 42 matches.

Rafael Nadal, a 14-time Roland Garros champion, holds the record, having won 40 of his first 41 matches at the clay-court major.

Swiatek is the fastest woman to 40 French Open wins, with Chris Evert and Monica Seles tied in second (43 matches).

The three-time reigning champion will face world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a blockbuster semi-final.

“Yeah, these Madrid finals [in 2023 and 2024 against Sabalenka] were probably one of the best, most exciting finals that I played,” Swiatek said.

“Aryna is always a challenge, she has a game for every surface. So, I need to just focus on myself, do the work, be brave with my shots and just go for it. For sure, I’m gonna prepare tactically tomorrow.

“She’s been having great season, so I’m not gonna lie, for sure it’s gonna be a tough match, but I’m happy for a challenge.”

READ NEXT: The 8 women with the most French Open titles: Chris Evert with 7, Iga Swiatek joint-third

The post Iga Swiatek’s stunning French Open milestones as she extends immense streak appeared first on Tennis365.

Novak Djokovic is in fine form at the French Open – and is once again making history.

Victory over Cameron Norrie in the fourth round saw the Serbian become just the second man in the Open Era to win 100 matches at Roland Garros, following in the footsteps of Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic has also now reached a staggering 19 quarter-finals in Paris, the most of any man at an individual major tournament in the Open Era.

Now, the 38-year-old will look to reach his 12th French Open semi-final, with the sixth seed taking on world No 3 and 2024 runner-up Alexander Zverev in the last eight.

The match could be of huge significance for the context of the tournament, but will be of extra significance for Djokovic as he looks to remain as highly ranked as possible.

Here, we look at the ATP Rankings ramifications for Djokovic across the rest of Roland Garros.

As it stands

Djokovic is currently the world No 6, just behind world No 4 Taylor Fritz and world No 5 Jack Draper; the top three of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Zverev have a significant lead over the rest.

Having reached the quarter-final in 2024 before his withdrawal, the Serbian had 400 ranking points to defend at the second Grand Slam of the year – more than Fritz and Draper.

US No 1 Fritz had 200 points to defend after reaching the fourth round in 2024, while Draper had only 10 French Open points on his ranking after falling in the first round twelve months ago.

Both Draper and Djokovic’s hopes of moving into the top four were significantly boosted when Fritz was stunned in round one at Roland Garros this year, beaten in four sets by Daniel Altmaier.

Fritz holds 4,675 points in the current rankings, but will drop to 4,485 points once the rankings post-event.

That meant that, regardless of results, Draper, who held 4,610 points, would move above the American in the ATP Rankings.

The Brit progressed to the fourth round and holds 4,800 points in the ATP Live Rankings, though he was stunned on Monday by Alexander Bublik.

Meanwhile, Djokovic has now successfully defended his 400 points and sits on his pre-tournament total of 4,230 heading into the last eight.

Now, the three-time French Open champion can capitalise on both Fritz and Draper’s exits.

How can Djokovic move up the rankings?

In terms of his quarter-final against Zverev, the equation is simple for Djokovic: win, and he will overtake Fritz in the rankings.

He would hold 4,630 points should he beat the German, eclipsing Fritz’s tally and pushing the American further down the rankings.

That would then place Djokovic in the semi-final, where he will most likely face world No 1 Jannik Sinner; the Italian faces the unseeded Bublik in his quarter-final on Wednesday.

Beating Sinner in a hypothetical semi-final would be no easy task, but should the 38-year-old reach the final, he would hold 5,130 points and ultimately overtake Draper.

Djokovic would move to 5,830 points if he were to win a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title.

French Open News

 3 incredible Jannik Sinner stats as the world No 1 joins six tennis icons with French Open run

Novak Djokovic becomes oldest man in 54 years to achieve major French Open feat

Who else is in contention?

It is not just Djokovic looking to surge up the ATP Rankings, with a handful of other quarter-finalists looking to surge up the rankings by continuing their runs at Roland Garros.

One of those is eighth seed and current world No 7 Lorenzo Musetti, who is into his first quarter-final at Roland Garros.

The Italian has been in fine form this clay swing and holds 4,160 points in the ATP Live Rankings, though he would move to 4,560 points if he were to beat 15th seed Frances Tiafoe on Tuesday.

That would see Musetti move up to No 6 in the live rankings and knock Djokovic down to No 7, though the Serbian could then move ahead of the Italian with a quarter-final triumph of his own.

To move ahead of Djokovic in the rankings, Musetti would have to better the Serbian’s result by one round.

Also in the conversation is 12th seed Tommy Paul, who is currently sitting at a career-high of world No 8 in the ATP Live Rankings.

The American could move to 5,110 points if he were to win the title, ahead of both Musetti and Djokovic with semi-final exits or earlier.

However, Paul faces a tough quarter-final against world No 2 and defending champion Alcaraz on Tuesday.

Tiafoe could also move above Djokovic and Musetti in the rankings, though he would need to beat Musetti on Tuesday, win the title, and hope Djokovic loses to Zverev.

Read Next: The 7 men with most French Open match wins: Rafael Nadal 112, Novak Djokovic hits milestone

The post Novak Djokovic handed major ATP Rankings chance ahead of Alexander Zverev showdown appeared first on Tennis365.

John McEnroe has named the player he has been “most pleasantly surprised” with out of Jack Draper, Arthur Fils, Jakub Mensik and Joao Fonseca.

The young quartet of Draper, Fils, Mensik and Fonseca have all made impressive strides on the ATP Tour this year.

Draper is enjoying an excellent 2025 season so far and is at a career-high ranking of world No 5, while Mensik is ranked 18th having secured his maiden title at the Miami Open in March.

Fils is at a career-high position of 14th after strong Masters 1000 results, while Fonseca claimed his first career title in Buenos Aires in February.

During a TNT Sports event, Tennis365 asked McEnroe which of Draper, Fils, Mensik and Fonseca does he view as the biggest long-term challenger to Alcaraz and Sinner.

“Well, that’s pretty much the guys that I would throw into the mix right now,” the former world No 1 said.

“Draper’s impressed me the most. I didn’t see the athleticism that he’s showing, that desire, you know, that willingness to dig as deep as he has, to fight through even times where he’s cramping, or illness.

“So if I had to pick one guy that I’m most pleasantly surprised with, I would say it’s Jack.

French Open News

Jack Draper makes brutally honest confession after crushing French Open defeat

John McEnroe says Jannik Sinner’s ban ‘worked out pretty well’ after dominant win

“He was in the finals in Madrid. He’s had some good success on the clay, which is impressive.

“But I would look at Wimbledon, where he’s gonna get a lot of crowd support, as the most likely one, and even on the hard courts.

“But these other guys are coming along, and there will be a few other guys that will sort of step in as well, that maybe we don’t know about.”

Draper won the biggest title of his career at the Indian Wells Masters in March and was also a runner-up at the Madrid Masters. The 23-year-old Brit’s impressive clay season concluded with a four-set fourth round French Open loss to Alexander Bublik.

McEnroe also gave his verdict on 22-year-old American star Ben Shelton.

The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion said: “I thought Ben Shelton had the opportunity to step into a void that’s opening up with Roger [Federer] retiring and Rafa [Nadal] – and Novak [Djokovic] 38 now, how much longer is he gonna play?

“He (Shelton) seems to have levelled off. Perhaps, I don’t wanna say stepped back, but not enough steps forward. So, it would be nice for us here obviously if we were able to get an American male to win a major, which hasn’t happened in over 20 years.”

READ NEXT: John McEnroe offers intriguing take as he answers Carlos Alcaraz question

The post John McEnroe reveals who has ‘most impressed’ him from Draper, Fils, Mensik and Fonseca appeared first on Tennis365.

Jannik Sinner’s ban from tennis has “worked out pretty well” as it has helped him to up his game, according to John McEnroe while Mats Wilander is in awe of the Italian’s latest performance.

In yet another ruthless display, Sinner sent Andrey Rublev packing from the French Open as he brushed the 17th seed aside in just over two hours, winning 6-1, 6-3, 6-4.

Sinner has certainly looked fresh in the two tournaments he has played since returning from his three-month suspension for his failed drug tests in 2024.

Having twice tested positive for the banned substance clostebol last March, Sinner was cleared of any wrongdoing and allowed to continue playing, but the World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] appealed the decision as they felt he should serve a suspension.

The 23-year-old’s lawyers came to an agreement with WADA officials in February this year as they settled on ban, starting on February 9 and ending on May 4 with his first tournament back the Italian Open.

He went on to finish runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz in Rome and has continued his exceptional form at the clay-court Grand Slam.

Following his emphatic win over Rublev, former world No 1 McEnroe gave his views to TNT Sports, saying: “To me, in a way, [his ban] was like, dare I say, a blessing in disguise.

“Beause there was a lot going on, obviously, the suspension we were like ‘Is it gonna happen? Is it not? Then he was exonerated, then he wasn’t. Then he accepted this three-month ban.

“He had won his second major, but to me, the good part was that he had a chance to sort of regroup get away from it, you know, and maybe ’cause I was unaware that this was even happening, so that must have been a lot of stress on him.

“I know it was killing him, that he wasn’t playing, but I how many tournaments did he really need to be playing? I don’t think that many.

“He needed a break after Australia. So perhaps he would have played two, three or four more, but I think it’s worked out pretty well for him to come back in Rome, get to the final, and now he’s looking great.”

Jannik Sinner News

Tim Henman fires a warning to Carlos Alcaraz ahead of potential Jannik Sinner showdown

Jannik Sinner is already the ‘best player of all-time’ in one key area

The world No 1 is yet to drop a set at Roland Garros and will face Alexander Bublik, who upset Jack Draper in the fourth round, for a place in the semi-final.

McEnroe’s fellow great Wilander hailed the three-time Grand Slam winner’s aggressive performance.

“Can I say speechless? Because he’s unbelievable,” the Swede said. He literally doesn’t wait for the ball to go anywhere. He wants to take it as early as possible on both sides, especially on the backhand side.

“I’ve never seen anyone be this aggressive from the baseline. And he’s looking to come forward, too, which I love.”

Watch every moment of the French Open live and exclusively on TNT Sports and discovery+

The post John McEnroe says Jannik Sinner’s ban ‘worked out pretty well’ after dominant win appeared first on Tennis365.