John McEnroe looks to Ben Shelton, Holger Rune as potential Novak Djokovic replacement in Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner's Federer-Nadal-esque rivalry

Tennis legend John McEnroe sees Ben Shelton and Holger Rune as potential successors to Novak Djokovic in the next "Big Three," alongside Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have already solidified their positions. Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic's success and dominance on the tennis court during the same era led to them being labeled as the "Big Three."

While Federer retired in 2022 and Nadal is likely in his final season, Djokovic is also approaching the end of his career. As a result, media discussions about the next "Big Three" often highlight Alcaraz and Sinner as potential members of this club, given their consistent dominance in ATP tournaments and Grand Slams.

Moreover, Alcaraz has also expressed his desire to create a rivalry with Jannik Sinner akin to the iconic rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Seven-time Major champion John McEnroe, in a recent discussion on BBC, opined that Ben Shelton could potentially join the next 'Big Three' in the role of Novak Djokovic.

"I would put (Ben) Shelton (Ben). I am not sure I'd put (Holger) Rune ahead of Shelton at this point. I am hoping, maybe it's just because we're hoping in America he breaks out big. But he's got that," McEnroe said.

While McEnroe continued to highlight Shelton's qualities, former tennis player Tim Henman also chimed in.

"He's got the weapons, he's got the firepower," Henman said.

The 65-year-old further stated that either Rune or Shelton could join the 'Big Three'. The American believes Sinner and Alcaraz have surpassed their peers, but added that it was difficult to predict who among the rising stars was going to "win more" matches in the future.

"Well so does Rune. One of those guys hopefully. Maybe there'll be someone that surprises us. But clearly Sinner and Alcaraz have taken it a step way above these other guys. And as far as who's going to win more? Gosh, that's like asking before, who's going to win more, Djokovic or Nadal? Way back then," McEnroe added.

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Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are currently in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon 2024; Holger Rune and Ben Shelton eliminated

Day Nine: The Championships - Wimbledon 2024 (Source: Getty)

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon 2024. Alcaraz, the defending champion, only competed in the Queen's Club Championship before the London Major, facing an early exit in the second round against Jack Draper. But the Spaniard has reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon by defeating France's Ugo Humbert 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 7-5 in the fourth round.

Sinner arrived at SW19 after winning the Terra Wortmann Open, and he has secured his spot in the quarterfinals by defeating Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4, 7-6(11) in the fourth round. Holger Rune, on the other hand, went down to Novak Djokovic 3-6, 4-6, 2-6 in the fourth round.

As per the latest update, Jannik Sinner has lost against Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals. Carlos Alcaraz, meanwhile, is currently competing against Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals.