John McEnroe paints a grim picture for Novak Djokovic
Outspoken former World No 1 John McEnroe believes that Novak Djokovic’s pandemic and vaccine ordeal is far from over.
McEnroe paints a grim picture in outlining the next few months of Djokovic’s career.
The former Wimbledon champion believes that we could see Novak Djokovic slip as low as 40th in the world before the end of the year.
With the United States still unwilling to allow entry to unvaccinated travellers into the country, Djokovic stands to not only lose out on defending the points he won during his 20th Grand Slam triumph but a raft of points from the North American hard court swing.
Even if he wins Wimbledon, it won’t soften the blow that much as the tournament has been stripped of its rankings points.
Djokovic has made it clear that he will not waiver on his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19, which leaves him facing a difficult end to the year.
“I don’t think he’s gotten over it yet,” McEnroe said on BBC.
“He’s as tough as they ever come.
“He’s had many, many occasions where he’s had to deal with crowds that are not on his side against those two other great ones – Rafa and Roger – yet he’s right there with them which tells you something about his mental fortitude.
“But this was one nobody anticipated.
“I don’t think he was able to deal with the ramifications even though he stood firm on his belief, which he is entitled to do and the decision was made.
“The bottom line is I can’t imagine it didn’t affect him in a big way and I think that’s why he maybe didn’t train as much and he looked – for him – a little out of shape in Monte Carlo.
“Then he looked like he had it together at the French but to me, having not played a slam match since the [US] Open, I think it caught up with him there [at Roland Garros].
“Now he’s got that even more ramped-up pressure that I assume he’s put on himself, especially if he can’t play the US Open.
“He could win this and he could be ranked 40 in the world in a few months because he can’t play anything in the States. It’s crazy. It’s unfortunate.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova dismisses Emma Raducanu ‘fluke’ claims as she highlights a ‘handicap’
“It was amazing when she won but it’s become a handicap because the expectations have gone sky-high.”
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Tennis star collapses during Miami Open qualifier as opponent admits ‘I didn’t see him fall’
Arthur Cazaux left the court in a wheelchair.
-
Tennis News
Tennis great Martina Navratilova sympathises with frustrated Andy Murray – ‘It’s exhausting’
“It’s exhausting to have to deal with the press like that for Andy,” says Martina Navratilova.
-
Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov dies as club confirms tragic news
Our thoughts go out to Aryna Sabalenka.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”