Tennis great John McEnroe believes Novak Djokovic receives ‘unfair treatment’ compared to his rivals.
McEnroe, who won seven Grand Slam titles during his playing career, has paid tribute to the Serbian world No.2 and says he is portrayed as the ‘villain’ in the Big Three. A trio that also includes Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Djokovic has managed to break various records set by the other two, including winning the most Grand Slam singles titles, spending the most weeks as world No.1 and earning the most prize money.
Despite Djokovic’s accolades, McEnroe says the tennis star is portrayed as the ‘bad guy’ of the group. The American is familiar with what it is like to be criticised in the sport based on his experiences. McEnroe was well known for his fiery temperament on the court when he was playing.
“Rafa and Roger have legendary reputations, deservedly so. They’ve been incredible. Novak has not only equalled them but surpassed them in overall achievements, which seemed impossible,” The I quoted McEnroe as saying.
“Both of those guys, Rafa and Roger, they are total class acts. They are loved and respected around the world. Novak gets the unfair treatment. He’s the villain, the bad guy.
“I guess you need a good guy and a bad guy in a way. It can help the sport when you have rivalries like that.
“I think it’s been unfair, honestly, because he is great for the game, on and off the court.”
The 37-year-old has previously spoken about how he uses chanting against him from the crowd to help fuel him to play better. An approach that draws admiration from McEnroe who admits he wasn’t able to use his bad boy reputation to his advantage.
“He’s been able to do something that I wasn’t able to do nearly as well which is turning lemons into lemonade,” he said.
“When people want to see the underdog or someone else winning, he somehow uses that as fuel to help him. That’s an incredible quality which you can’t underestimate.”
Djokovic is currently training in London ahead of Wimbledon which he is hoping to play following knee surgery. Although he briefly travelled to Germany on Tuesday evening to cheer on his country in their match against Denmark in the Euros.
Speaking to reporters earlier this week, he said he would only take part in the grasscourt major if he is fit enough to challenge for the title. He is still yet to win a trophy on the Tour this year.
The Wimbledon draw will take place on Friday at 10am. Djokovic is seeking to win a record-equalling eighth title at The All England Club.
