Novak Djokovic swept past Pedro Martinez with a commanding 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 triumph in his opening match at the Australian Open on Monday, yet questions persist about whether the Serbian veteran can go all the way.
The 38-year-old ten-time Melbourne champion dispatched the world number 95 Spaniard in straight sets, demonstrating his enduring quality on court.
However, John McEnroe has voiced scepticism regarding Djokovic’s prospects against the tournament’s leading contenders.
The American legend doubts the world number four possesses the physical capacity to overcome both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, currently ranked first and second on the ATP tour, in the latter stages.
John McEnroe expressed doubt over whether Novak Djokovic could battle it out with the young guns
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PA/REUTERS
When asked whether Djokovic could realistically defeat both top-ranked players, McEnroe was blunt: “In his heart of hearts and in my opinion, no.”
The former world number one elaborated on his reasoning: “I don’t think he can beat both of those guys when he has already had to go through five matches – that’s the problem.
“That’s the reality he has talked about.”
McEnroe nonetheless acknowledged Djokovic’s self-belief, stating: “In my book, he is No.3 in the world.
“He made four semis last year and beat Alcaraz here. He must think he can still win this otherwise because he won’t play unless he thinks he can win.”
Despite suggesting Djokovic might contemplate retirement, McEnroe insisted the Serbian great merits his moment of appreciation.
“He has been an unbelievable positive for our game and his record speaks for itself,” McEnroe declared.
“He has always been extremely intelligent and the other players love him. So strut yourself, Novak, and enjoy every minute of it.”
The American drew a colourful comparison, likening Djokovic to Ivan Drago from the Rocky films, noting how he competed in the shadow of the beloved Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, only for Carlos Alcaraz to emerge as the sport’s new darling.
Tim Henman shares similar reservations about Djokovic’s physical condition as he approaches his late thirties.
Novak Djokovic is through to the next round of the Australian Openq
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REUTERS
“I am fascinated to see where his level is at from a tennis point of view, but also a physical point of view, because it’s only going to get harder as he gets older, and best of five is challenging,” Henman observed.
The former British number one noted that Djokovic’s movement inevitably diminishes with age, suggesting he may need to adopt a more attacking approach from the baseline.
Monday’s victory marked Djokovic’s first competitive outing since claiming his 101st career title in Athens last October.
He faces Italian Francesco Maestrelli in Wednesday’s second round.
