Tsitsipas idolises 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer and now looks ready to mix it with the old guard three years after turning pro.
A minor setback at Queen’s last week, when the world No 6 was beaten 7-5 6-2 in his quarter-final versus Felix Auger Aliassime, will not have dented the Greek’s confidence, which usually comes out in abundance on grass.
McEnroe, who won his first SW19 title at 21, a year older than Tsitsipas, believes the Monaco-based starlet poses as big a threat as anyone to break the established trinity.
“The big three just have this incredible will to win, but it would be good for the game if there were other winners,” McEnroe told Evening Standard.
“Tsitsipas is the young guy I’d pick above everyone else. He’ll be winning majors sooner rather than later.
“It’s all about your competitive fire. He’s got the size and the shots — and he’s not afraid of anyone. It would be great to see him become a Grand Slam winner soon.”
Nonetheless, Federer, defending champion Novak Djokovic and two-time winner Rafael Nadal remain the bookies’ favourites to lift the golden trophy in three Sundays’ time.
“It’s hard not to pick from Roger [Federer], Novak [Djokovic] and Rafa [Nadal],” McEnroe admitted.
“And, for me, Novak is the one to beat, although Rafa looked more comfortable on the grass last year.
“But a lot rests on the draw and whether any of those guys come up against some rougher customers earlier on.
“If it’s a big server in the first round when you’re not into your rhythm, that’s tough, but it’s hard to look beyond the big three.”
Due to Wimbledon’s seeding system, which differs from other Grand Slams in favouring past champions, world No 2 Nadal was placed at number three while his Swiss rival, one spot behind him in the ATP rankings, occupied the second berth.
It means Nadal will likely face one of either Federer or Djokovic in the semi-finals, should he make it that far.
“Wimbledon is the only tournament of the year that does it like this,” Nadal told Spanish television channel Movistar on Monday.
“Obviously it would be better to be two than three but if they think I have to be three I will accept three and fight to win the matches I have to win.
“Having said that, the only thing that doesn’t seem right about this issue is that it is only Wimbledon that does it. If they all did it, it would seem more correct.”
