“Inappropriate” – Serena Williams’ coach calls out John McEnroe over Sinner-Alcaraz comment in US Open final
John McEnroe has faced plenty of criticism for bringing up Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner after Alexander Zverev’s men’s singles title triumph at the 2026 US Open. Serena Williams’ coach Rennae Stubbs recently delivered her verdict on McEnroe’s remark, opining it was an ‘inappropriate’ one from the 67-year-old American tennis legend.
McEnroe was a part of ESPN’s 2026 US Open coverage and as the commentary feed was coming to its conclusion following Zverev’s maiden New York title, he said:
“Get healthy Carlos and Jannik.”
Critics felt McEnroe’s comment was disrespectful towards not just Zverev, but also Ben Shelton, who reached his first major final at the 2026 US Open.
More recently, Australian former women’s doubles No. 1 Rennae Stubbs, who is currently coaching the legendary Serena Williams, weighed in on John McEnroe‘s brief but controversial remark. Speaking on an episode of The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, the 55-year-old said:
“I don’t know if you heard John McEnroe’s last words on the ESPN coverage where he says, ‘Come back, Carlos and Jannik, please.’ That was a little inappropriate. That’s the s**t you say in your head, not on a mic.” (from 22:18)
Stubbs also reminded listeners that while Sinner was missing in action at Flushing Meadows this year due to a right knee problem, Alcaraz, the 2022 and 2025 US Open champion, did feature after recovering from a wrist injury he had sustained in Barcelona back in April. The Australian also shared a positive update regarding the Spaniard’s right arm based on a conversation she had with the former No. 1 and career Grand Slam winner.
“Alcaraz was playing in the tournament. He ran out of gas. I actually had a little text with him a couple of days after and he told me the arm is really good, so that’s really positive for him,” Stubbs added.
