John McEnroe has been vocal in his admiration for Novak Djokovic, pretty much throughout the Serbian’s entire career.
After all, given what he has achieved throughout his career, it is hard not to be left stunned by his consistent quality across two decades.
However, all good things simply must come to an end, and in a sporting sense, the steady decline of these superstars is always tough to witness.
Fortunately for Novak Djokovic, he has managed his body so meticulously that, even though his physicality may be declining, he remains ever-present around the apex of the ATP Tour.
That is why, when discussing the upcoming Roland Garros event, John McEnroe and others refuse to rule him out.
John McEnroe rates Novak Djokovic’s Roland Garros chances
Speaking to Forbes ahead of the second major of the season, which kickstarts later this week, the American was keen to outline just how impactful
Novak Djokovic will be on the rest of the draw.
McEnroe admitted that such a huge absence will naturally offer a boost to Djokovic and others: “You’d have to say that when it looked even bleaker that he’d win another [major], the door’s opened up obviously more for [Djokovic] as well as [Alexander] Zverev, for example, and others that have been struggling.
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“You talk about wide open in a way, other than the obvious guy Sinner.”
However, he cannot look past the world number one, and concluded by admitting: “But to me ultimately it’s Sinner against the field, I’d take Sinner right now. But it does open the door for a bunch of other guys to make runs they weren’t ever going to potentially going to make.”
It is hard to back him when even Djokovic seemingly does not trust his own physicality at the moment.
Novak Djokovic’s first practice session at the French Open
Regardless of any reservations that he or pundits may have, he remains present at the Roland Garros grounds, ready to compete.
And, he has already got his first practice session underway, opting to play alongside Alexander Zverev, the other man who McEnroe named as set to benefit from Alcaraz’s absence.
The two were pictured chatting at the net for some time after their session, perhaps discussing tactics or their plans for the upcoming tournament.
It will be interesting to see how these two perform, both of whom are entering the event in dubious form.
