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Patrick McEnroe, former tennis player and captain of the US Davis Cup team, says Novak Djokovik May win another “four or five” Grand Slams before he retires.
Serbian equals Rafael Nadal’s record for most men’s Grand Slams After winning his 22nd title Looked pretty unstoppable on Sunday at the Australian Open and for most of the tournament.
“I think he can win four or five more,” McEnroe told CNN’s Amanda Davis. “It looks like he’s as healthy as ever.
“He’s the favorite in three out of four [grand slams] For the next, I’d say probably two years.
McEnroe says “all is well again in the world of men’s tennis” after Djokovic returned to the world No. 1 spot for a record-extending 374th week.
Sunday’s win was his 10th Australian Open victory, making him only the second man to win more than 10 titles in a single major.
While fans have become accustomed to watching Djokovic lift trophies, the Serbian’s emotional reaction to the win in Melbourne has generated plenty of comment.
The 35-year-old broke down 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. exiled About the status of your COVID-19 vaccination in 2022 from Australia.
He was then banned from playing at the US Open – again because of his vaccination status – as he found himself at the center of a global news story.
McEnroe says he thinks Djokovic still plays with “a huge chip on his shoulder” despite all the controversies, which has helped make him an even bigger threat on tour.
“I think he plays as well as he’s ever played, which is amazing at 35,” said McEnroe, a singles semifinalist at the 1991 Australian Open and doubles winner at the 1989 French Open.
“To think that this guy just keeps getting better and even when he won the title, you pointed him to the head, pointed to the heart, he was still steady.
But as soon as he went to his family and his coach in that player box, all the emotions came out.
McEnroe isn’t the only person predicting more success for Djokovic.
Australian star Nick Kyrgios said Twitter The Serbian “will easily get to 28 Slams” after watching Stefanos Tsitsipas beat him in straight sets on Sunday.
If Djokovic adds more Grand Slam titles to his current tally, he will further strengthen his claim to be the best player in the history of men’s tennis.
That debate also includes the likes of Nadal, who is currently tied with Djokovic for Grand Slam wins, and Roger Federer, who retired after winning 20 Grand Slams.
Despite saying that it was too early to call Djokovic the greatest of all time, McEnroe said that you could argue that Djokovic has the edge.
“His dominance in the serves has been a bit wider than those two great players,” he added.
He has done well against both and has done well in other big tournaments as well but there is still a lot of tennis to be played.
If he stays fit, Nadal will be the favorite to add to his trophy cabinet at the next Grand Slam of the season at Roland Garros; He has won a title 14 times.
But Djokovic will then be the man to stay at Wimbledon and the favorite again at the US Open, according to McEnroe, given the officials allowed him to play this year.