Slams to the slaughter

McEnroe hails Sinner and Alcaraz in 'changing of the guard'

- NEIL MCLEMAN

JOHN MCENROE has declared "the official changing of the guard" in men's tennis after Jannik Carlos Alcaraz claimed all four Grand Slams this year.

And the Italian world No.1 welcomed the "new generation" taking over with new rivalries after decades of domination by the Big Three.

The Australian Open champion, 23, became the youngest man to complete the calendar hardcourt double by beating Taylor Fritz in the US Open final.

And with Alcaraz, 21, winning the French Open and Wimbledon, it's the first time since 1993 all four majors in the same year have been won by players 23 or younger.

It's also the first time since 2002 that none of Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal or Roger Federer have won a Grand Slam.

And McEnroe told ESPN: "It's the official changing of the guard. When was the last time none of the Big Three won a Grand Slam?"

But the American legend, 65, also claimed there will now be a greater variety of male champions -with US Open semi-finalist Jack Draper among the contenders.