Novak Djokovic has ‘at least three more Grand Slams’ in him – John McEnroe

Australian Open

Former world No 1 John McEnroe expects Novak Djokovic to add to his Grand Slam tally even more after winning the Australian Open on Sunday.

Djokovic won his 22nd Grand Slam title after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5) on Rod Laver Arena.

The victory brought him level with Rafael Nadal at the top of the list of players with the most Grand Slam titles, but McEnroe expects the Serbian to end his career well in front of the pack.

Speaking on Eurosport, McEnroe shed further light on why Djokovic and Nadal, as well as Roger Federer – who has 20 Majors – stayed at the top of the game for so long.


“Finding more ways to get hungry and be willing to do what it takes to improve,” the seven-time Grand Slam champion said.

“That is extremely difficult to do and takes a lot of dedication. And that’s why these guys have separated themselves – those three guys.

“They’re not only better than the other players, they are hungrier, they’re more disciplined and they do whatever it takes.

“This guy’s in a hyperbaric chamber like ten times a day or something. It’s crazy what these guys are willing to do, incredible.”

During McEnroe‘s career, it was unheard of for players to have much success after the age of 30. He himself retired at age 34 but won the last of his Grand Slam singles titles nearly 10 years before that, although he remained a successful doubles player thereafter.


With the advancement in technology, fitness routines and recovery procedures, that is no longer the case, with each of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic winning Majors during the tail end of their careers.

“At this point, it’s hard not to see him winning at least two or three more, minimum,” McEnroe continued.

“Roger won three after 35 I believe, Rafa’s on three. [Djokovic] is a phenomenal athlete, probably the best of the three of those athletically and in terms of being able to recover and he hasn’t had a lot of injuries on the legs for the most part, so I can easily see him winning I’d say at least three more.”

Whilst seemingly struggling with a hamstring injury over the last fortnight, Djokovic was a class apart at the year’s opening Grand Slam, dropping just one set en route to what he described as the biggest win of his life.

John McEnroe Novak Djokovic

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