John McEnroe remains one of tennis’ most relevant figures, despite having retired from the sport in 1992.
After all, following a sparkling playing career, he transitioned into punditry with ease and emerged for almost all of the big events to offer his expert opinion.
He may not always be right, but he’s never afraid to voice his opinion, and for that, he is often celebrated.
One of those predictions was made about Novak Djokovic back in 2023, and it was a premonition that sadly has yet to come true.
John McEnroe’s 2023 Grand Slam prediction about Novak Djokovic
Speaking to Eurosport after the Serbian had won his record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title in New York, the American was unsurprisingly buoyed by Djokovic’s chances going forward.
After all, why wouldn’t he be?
Who will retire with more Grand Slam titles – Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic?
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This had capped off an exceptional season where he was just one win away from completing the near-impossible Calendar Slam.
Asked what the future held for Djokovic, McEnroe claimed: “I don’t know how many more he’s going to win, but it’s hard to see him not win a minimum of two or three more.
“Roger [Federer] won three from 35 onwards, Rafa won three.
“Novak is probably the best of those three athletically. He hasn’t had a lot of injuries, so I could easily see him winning at least three more.”
He then offered more general praise, adding: “He’s unbelievably resilient and is a tremendous asset to our game. He’s a phenomenal athlete and player, as well as a phenomenal person.
“Novak is a master at self-motivation, finding more ways to get hungry, doing what it takes to improve. It takes a lot of dedication.
“That’s why the three guys [Djokovic, Nadal and Federer] are where they are. They’re hungrier than the other players, more disciplined, and do whatever it takes.”
Admittedly, he did come close to breaking the record earlier this year, when Djokovic lost in the final of the Australian Open to Carlos Alcaraz.
Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam performances since winning his 24th title
As we all know, Djokovic has failed to win that coveted 25th Grand Slam title, thwarted by the sudden emergence of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
They have shot up the rankings and become the overwhelming force on the ATP Tour, sharing all of the Grand Slam titles since the Serbian’s last triumph in 2023.
Are you more or less confident that Novak Djokovic can win his 25th Grand Slam now?
Few could have predicted they would become so dominant so quickly, especially after the year Djokovic had just enjoyed.
He reached the final of all four majors, winning three.
However, since then, he has reached just two finals and a further five semi-finals.
The 38-year-old was knocked out by either Alcaraz or Sinner in five of the last nine Grand Slam events, and retired injured in a further three of them.
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