John McEnroe, Boris Becker Clash Over Novak Djokovic’s ‘Irritable’ Label
John McEnroe and Boris Becker recently shared their contrasting opinions on Novak Djokovic following his victory at the Australian Open. Djokovic claimed a decisive win over Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrell, prevailing in straight sets with scores of 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. This match demonstrated Djokovic’s significant advantage over his opponent, reflecting his strong form at Melbourne Park.
McEnroe’s Critical View
McEnroe, commenting on Djokovic’s performance, stated, “I’ve watched him probably play about a thousand times, so that would be on the lower echelon of impressed, but I don’t think it mattered.” He acknowledged Djokovic’s consistent ability to deliver results but noted that the player appeared somewhat irritable during the match. The American remarked, “He looked amazing for 38, I’ll tell you that.”
He also emphasized the importance of winning early in the tournament and recalled Djokovic’s experiences at the US Open, where he seemed physically drained before the semi-finals. McEnroe expressed concerns about whether Djokovic could maintain his form in later rounds.
Becker’s Optimistic Outlook
In contrast, Boris Becker offered a more upbeat perspective on Djokovic’s current standing in the tournament. He stated, “Everything is going perfectly for him,” dismissing McEnroe’s apprehensions. Becker pointed out that Djokovic’s previous issues with exhaustion before semi-finals seem not to be a concern this time.
Djokovic’s Reflection on Performance
During his post-match interview, Djokovic expressed satisfaction with his performance. He reflected, “I’m glad it’s coming along. In the first couple of matches, you’re always kind of testing yourself, your body, seeing how you feel.”
He noted a two-month gap since his last competitive match and emphasized the importance of adapting to different conditions at the tournament. “It’s always windy in Melbourne, but this year is out of control,” he commented. Djokovic also acknowledged that adjusting to the pace of the match took some time but felt he delivered a solid overall performance.
Conclusion
Novak Djokovic continues to impress with his skills at the Australian Open. As he progresses, contrasting views from legends like McEnroe and Becker highlight the drama surrounding his journey. How Djokovic navigates the upcoming rounds will remain a focal point for tennis fans worldwide.
