John McEnroe sparks backlash with six-word message after Alexander Zverev wins US Open

John McEnroe has been accused of disrespecting Alexander Zverev after making a pointed six-word remark about Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner moments after the German won the US Open.

Zverev defeated home favourite Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in Sunday's final at Flushing Meadows, securing his second Grand Slam title of a remarkable 2026 season.

Having arrived at the beginning of the year without a major crown, the 29-year-old will finish it as champion of both the French Open and US Open.

However, his latest triumph was immediately accompanied by renewed discussion about the absences and fitness problems which affected his leading rivals.

Sinner missed the tournament in New York, while Alcaraz returned after four months out and was eliminated before the closing stages.

Alcaraz had previously missed Roland-Garros, where Sinner suffered an earlier-than-expected exit.

McEnroe appeared to reference their difficulties while concluding his commentary duties, signing off with the words: "Get well soon, Carlos and Jannik."

Although the remark could have been intended as a straightforward message of support, its timing prompted an angry response from viewers who believed it diminished Zverev's accomplishment.

"You may like or dislike Alexander Zverev, but it wasn't the best moment to make that comment," one critic wrote on social media.

Another branded McEnroe's comment "unbelievably disrespectful", while a third accused the former world No 1 of being a "sore US loser" after Shelton's defeat.

One viewer called for the seven-time Grand Slam champion to be removed from his commentary position, arguing that other retired players would perform the role with greater tact.

"Sorry, this should be the final straw for John McEnroe," another said. "Unprofessional, belittling the sport and stealing the spotlight from the champion and runner-up seconds after victory."

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Others were pleased to see a different championship match after the recent dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner.

"I was so relieved we didn't have another Sincaraz final, quite frankly," one supporter wrote. "I was getting so bored of it! And so many of the other men are fun to watch. So I enjoyed this final!"

Zverev was subsequently asked whether his two-major campaign meant he could now consider himself the finest player in men's tennis.

"With Jannik Sinner being injured, Carlos Alcaraz coming back from injury after four months, right now, this moment, probably yes," he said.

"Both of them healthy, both of them at the top of their game? Maybe not."

Shelton, meanwhile, was left frustrated by Zverev's lengthy service routine and the instruction that he should take his receiving position earlier.

"I think that's a stupid rule that you have to be sitting there if it's a guy who has his routine," the American said.

Despite the debate surrounding his route to both titles, Zverev will end 2026 as its dominant Grand Slam performer with the German already qualified for the ATP Finals in Turin at the end of the year.