PEP'S UP FOR GRAND SLAM

City manager inspired by US Open champion Alcaraz & Ryder Cup star Fleetwood to raise title chasers' game

- BY STEVE BATES

THE mentality of sports biggest names is always fascinating for Pep Guardiola.

And after an international break studying the brilliance of tennis star Carlos Alcaraz and golfing pal Tommy Fleetwood, Guardiola is hoping his Manchester City stars can fight their way out of an early season crisis of two defeats in their opening three games of the new campaign.

Guardiola saw fellow Spaniard Alcaraz win the US Open against Jannik Sinner in New York before jetting home to see golfers Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton at Wentworth.

And he never ceases to be amazed at the sheer brilliance of solo elite performers at the top of their sports.