Novak Djokovic could win another ‘four or five’ grand slam titles, says former tennis star Patrick McEnroe
CNN
–
Former tennis player and US Davis Cup team captain Patrick McEnroe says Novak Djokovic could win another “four or five” Grand Slams before he retires.
The Serbian equaled Rafael Nadal’s record for most men’s Grand Slams after winning his 22nd Australian Open title on Sunday and hasn’t looked too restive for most of the tournament.
“I think he can win four or five more,” McEnroe told CNN’s Amanda Davis. “He seems to be as healthy as ever.
“He is the favorite in three out of four [grand slams] For the next one, I’d say maybe two years.”
McEnroe says “all is well now in the world of men’s tennis” after Djokovic returned to the world No. 1 spot for a record-extending 374th week.
Sunday’s victory was his 10th Australian Open victory, making him only the second man to win more than 10 singles majors.
While fans have grown accustomed to seeing Djokovic lift trophies, the Serbian’s emotional reaction to victory in Melbourne has sparked plenty of commentary.
The 35-year-old wept in court as he celebrated with friends and family, later telling reporters he had experienced an “emotional breakdown”.
It comes after a difficult 12 months for the Serbian which began when Djokovic was unable to defend his title last year. Exile About his Covid-19 vaccination status from Australia in 2022.
He was then banned from playing at the US Open – again due to his vaccination status – as he found himself at the center of a global news story.
McEnroe says he thinks Djokovic is still playing with a “big chip on his shoulder” after all the controversy, which has helped make him an even bigger threat on tour.
“I think he played as well as he’s ever played, which is amazing at 35,” said McEnroe, who was a singles semifinalist at the 1991 Australian Open and a doubles winner at the 1989 French Open.
“To think that this guy is just getting better and when he won the title, you saw him pointing to the head, pointing to the heart, yet he was still nervous.
“But as soon as he walked into that player’s box to his family and his coaches, all the emotions came out.”
McEnroe isn’t the only one predicting more success for Djokovic.
Australian star Nick Kyrgios said Twitter The Serbian “will easily get to 28 slams” after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets on Sunday.
If Djokovic adds more Grand Slam titles to his current list, he will strengthen his claim to be the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis.
The debate also includes the likes of Nadal, who is currently tied with Djokovic for all Grand Slam wins, and Roger Federer, who retired after winning 20 Grand Slams.
Despite saying it was too early to call Djokovic the greatest of all time, McEnroe said you could argue Djokovic has the edge.
He said, “His dominance on the serve has been slightly wider than those two greats.
“He’s had better competition against both of them and better performances in other big tournaments but there’s still a lot of tennis to play.”
If he stays fit, Nadal will be favorite to add to his trophy cabinet at the season’s next Grand Slam at Roland Garros; A title he has won 14 times.
But Djokovic will be the man to stop at Wimbledon and will be the favorite again at the US Open, if officials allow him to play this year, according to McEnroe.
