John McEnroe: "Novak Djokovic is better than anyone else"

• Tennis

Former tennis legend John McEnroe has praised Novak Djokovic for his longevity in the world of tennis. He has expressed amazement at the Serbian's exceptional form at the age of 36. During his illustrious career, Djokovic won 22 Grand Slam titles and is more motivated than ever to clinch another title at the current Roland Garros.

After five consecutive victories, in which he conceded only one set, Djokovic secured his access to the semifinals with world number one Carlos Alcaraz. There is great anticipation for what some already consider to be an anticipated final and Nole is ready to face Carlos in great form.

In a recent interview with Eurosport, McEnroe praised the Serbian star for his relentless efforts to match the heights of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, adding that his longevity on the tour has been incredible. "He's definitely there, along with Nadal and Federer, and I think it's amazing why he's been trying to get into that group for so long.

The fact that he's playing so well at his age is hard to believe, actually," he said. McEnroe further praised the Serbian for confidently expressing his goal of winning Roland Garros 2023. He told: "I don't have the records in front of me, but he talked about this goal in an open way, he embraced it.

I think it takes a lot of courage to say: I do. instead of I want to do my best and what happens happens”. Djokovic's longevity in the tennis world is truly amazing and his determination to achieve success is admirable.

The Serbian champion continues to amaze the tennis world and fans can't wait to see what Roland Garros has in store for him.

John McEnroe: "Djokovic is up to the task"

John McEnroe also exalted the personality of Novak Djokovic, stating that the Serbian tennis player feeds on the provocations and teasing of his opponents, using them as a source of inspiration to excel on the court.

According to McEnroe, Djokovic needs to feel inspired or to have to demonstrate something, such as breaking a record, in order to give his best. The former champion also praised his attitude on the tennis court, which allowed him to earn both the love and respect of the crowd: "Djokovic is up to the situation, he needs to be inspired.

He has chances to break an incredible record." McEnroe stressed that sometimes Djokovic's attitude on the court gives him the drive to excel, and that while he prefers to be respected rather than loved, the Serbian tennis player is managed the situation well: "Sometimes his attitude on the pitch manages to turn him on.

On the court you would like to be respected rather than loved. One would actually like to have both if possible, but he handled it well. He's been mature about it and has had some success turning lemons into lemonade." According to the American, Djokovic is the best of all time at turning adversity into opportunity: "For me, it's better than anyone else to play," he added.

Following his quarterfinal win against Karenk Khachanov, Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals on June 9, in what will be their second meeting on the court. The Spaniard leads 1-0 in direct matches, after the victory in Madrid 2022 won 7-6 in the third.