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John McEnroe says what he found really ‘weird’ about watching Jannik Sinner’s win over Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon

Image of Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner embracing at the net after their 2025 Wimbledon semifinal, inset of John McEnroe looking on during day se...
Credit: Getty Images/HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP/Karwai Tang/WireImage
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Novak Djokovic won’t be picking up a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, as he suffered a tough defeat in the semifinals.

The Serbian star was second best by some distance throughout the first two sets as Jannik Sinner stormed into a 6-3, 6-3 lead.

It seemed as though Djokovic was about to launch a trademark comeback when he broke early in the third, taking a 3-0 lead.

The comeback was short-lived, however, as the Italian quickly broke back and Sinner defeated Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.

Jannik Sinner claps to the Wimbledon crowd after beating Novak Djokovic in the semifinals
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images

Reacting to the 38-year-old’s semifinal defeat, tennis legend John McEnroe explained what he found really ‘weird’ about the match.

John McEnroe found it ‘weird’ watching Novak Djokovic lose to a ‘better version’ of himself

Speaking on commentary after the match, McEnroe shared his thoughts on Sinner’s performance in the semifinal.

“It was sort of weird to watch because you are watching like a better version of Novak Djokovic playing him and doing the exact same things that Novak did to get him to the pantheon of the sport,” he said.

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner embrace at the net after their 2025 Wimbledon semifinal
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images

“He has got to be feeling really good. This is a guy who was two sets down to [Grigor] Dimitrov and looked in all sorts of trouble and was saying, ‘My arm is hurt, I’ve hurt my elbow.’

“We were all wondering about him, I don’t think we are wondering about him a whole lot at this point.”

McEnroe proceeded to say that Djokovic approached the match tactically in a way he didn’t expect.

“I assumed that Djokovic would try to use the drop shot, I did not realise he would serve and volley as much, but never have I seen [Jannik] Sinner move and cover the court as effectively in the forecourt,” he said.

“Not just the backcourt, which he slides beautifully in. That is [Carlos] Alcaraz like to be able to come up and produce a sweet touch lob over Djokovic’s head.

McEnroe mentioned Sinner producing an ‘Alcaraz-like’ shot against Djokovic, a shot the Italian may witness firsthand on Sunday.

Alcaraz beat Taylor Fritz in the earlier semifinal to set up a second consecutive Grand Slam final between the world number one and two.

John McEnroe shares his honest opinion on the Wimbledon final everyone wanted

The American continued on to share his thoughts on the Wimbledon final, which will see Alcaraz and Sinner face off for the 13th time.

John McEnroe looks on during day seven of the 2025 Wimbledon championships
Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage

“Most people wanted it, and you want to see the best play the best,” said McEnroe.

“I am sure a few people here were hoping that Jack Draper would have more of an impact, and I think a few people in the States were hoping one of our American boys would make the breakthrough, but these boys have separated themselves; there is no question about it.

“It’s amazing how quickly that has changed. It seems like yesterday we had these three legends, our Mount Rushmore, and now someone is trying to figure out how to get in the mix with these two.”

For years, it was Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal who dominated Grand Slam tournaments, combining to win 66 majors between 2003 and 2023.

Now, Alcaraz and Sinner are on top, as they extend their streak of Grand Slam dominance.

Grand SlamWinnerRunner UpScore
2024 Australian OpenJannik SinnerDaniil Medvedev3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3
2024 French OpenCarlos AlcarazAlexander Zverev6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2
2024 WimbledonCarlos AlcarazNovak Djokovic6-2, 6-2, 7-6
2024 US OpenJannik SinnerTaylor Fritz6-3, 6-4, 7-5
2025 Australian OpenJannik SinnerAlexander Zverev6-3, 7-6, 6-3
2025 French OpenCarlos AlcarazJannik Sinner4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6
2025 WimbledonJannik Sinner/Carlos AlcarazJannik Sinner/Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s Grand Slam streak

Come Sunday, the pair will have shared seven straight majors between themselves, a remarkable achievement.

Currently tied at 3-3 during that period, only time will tell who will emerge victorious when they contest the Wimbledon final.

The 2025 Wimbledon final between Sinner and Alcaraz will take place on Sunday, July 13.