Tennis icon John McEnroe has cast significant doubt on Novak Djokovic's capacity to win the 2026 Australian Open, despite the Serbian star beginning his campaign with a dominant straight-sets victory.
McEnroe's Physical Endurance Concerns
Following Djokovic's commanding 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 first-round win over Spain's Pedro Martinez on Monday, McEnroe voiced scepticism about the 38-year-old's ability to overcome the world's top two players later in the tournament. The American legend pointed to the gruelling physical toll of a Grand Slam fortnight as the central issue.
"In his heart of hearts and in my opinion, no," McEnroe stated bluntly when asked if Djokovic could beat both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. He elaborated, "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."
The Retirement Question and Long-Awaited Recognition
McEnroe also pondered Djokovic's continued motivation, noting the Serbian hasn't claimed a major title in recent years. "A lot of people might think, 'Why are you still going at this point, you haven't won in a couple of years and you are so used to winning?'" he mused.
However, McEnroe was quick to acknowledge Djokovic's enduring class and competitive fire, ranking him as the world's third-best player. "He made four semis last year and beat Alcaraz here. He must think he can still win this," McEnroe conceded.
In a poignant observation, McEnroe suggested Djokovic is finally receiving the widespread admiration he merits. He compared the 24-time major winner to 'Ivan Drago' from the Rocky films, playing the villain to the beloved rivalries of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, and now the popular Alcaraz.
"He is like, 'Where is my love? I deserve it.' And he does deserve it," McEnroe affirmed. "He has been an unbelievable positive for our game and his record speaks for itself. So strut yourself, Novak, and enjoy every minute of it."
The Form and Fitness Challenge
Djokovic's match against Martinez was his first competitive outing since early October 2025, when he won his 101st career title in Athens. His preparation was further questioned when he withdrew from the Adelaide event earlier this month, stating he wasn't "physically ready to compete."
Former British number one Tim Henman echoed the concerns about the physical demands of best-of-five-set tennis on a 38-year-old body. "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," Henman commented.
Henman analysed that any decline in Djokovic's legendary movement would force him to play more aggressively. "If you don't move as well, you probably have to take more risks from the back of the court and play more aggressively," he explained.
Djokovic will continue his quest for an 11th Australian Open crown against Italy's Francesco Maestrelli in the second round on Wednesday, with the tennis world watching closely to see if McEnroe's theory holds weight.
