John McEnroe has highlighted the lack of American men’s Grand Slam success in light of Carlos Alcaraz’s achievements in that area.

Alcaraz has expertly taken over the mantle from Rafael Nadal regarding Spanish tennis, with the former already boasting seven Grand Slam titles at the age of 23. He is enjoying similar early success to ATP legend Nadal, who retired from tennis with 22 Grand Slam titles to his name.

In stark contrast, an American man has not won a Grand Slam title since 2003, when Andy Roddick emerged victorious on home soil at the US Open. The current situation has now left a bemused McEnroe asking a serious question about tennis in his country.

Which American man has the best chance of winning a Grand Slam title?

John McEnroe asks question of American tennis because of Carlos Alcaraz

Speaking on Spanish talk show La Revuelta, seven-time major champion McEnroe said of Alcaraz: “He’s the best. Carlos Alcaraz is the best. He’s my favourite. I’m not saying this just because I’m in Madrid. Carlos Alcaraz is the best thing that happened to tennis in 10 years. Unbelievable. We’re lucky to have him. He’s my favourite player to watch right now. So I’m happy he’s playing again because it was not good for tennis that he was out. And now another one maybe, [Rafael] Jodar. Unbelievable.

“Spanish tennis… Rafa Nadal changed everything. Carlos Moya won one, but Rafa Nadal came on… unbelievable change for Spanish… to me. I didn’t think that this would happen. How does this happen? How the hell is this happening? We haven’t had a male win a major tournament in 23 years in America. Not one. Rafa himself won 22.”

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner continue European Grand Slam dominance

A superb spell for Spanish men’s tennis has indeed coincided with an ongoing lengthy drought for American men’s tennis. And that is a trend that looks set to continue given the rise of Jodar and the superb ability of Alcaraz. Moreover, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina just won the Shanghai Masters, and defeated fellow Spaniard Jodar in the final.

Of course, Alcaraz has not been the only main reason behind the complete absence of American men’s major champions. He has been helped in that regard by fellow Europeans Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev. Remarkably, the trio have combined to win each of the last 12 Grand Slam tournaments. Fittingly, the Spaniard and the Italian have each claimed five titles, with the German securing the other two.

And Americans certainly don’t need reminding of the European dominance that preceded the current stars, with the Big Three having taken complete control of men’s tennis year after year for quite some time. Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Nadal were almost impossible to get past on the big stage, although the likes of Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka certainly broke the mould on occasion.