"A few can rise to the occasion but few have": Novak Djokovic unbeatable without 'real belief' ahead of Australian Open says John McEnroe

John McEnroe believes that despite injury being a factor going into the Australian Open that only a few have the minerals to beat Novak Djokovic and that the onus is on the chasing pack to do just like Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon and have 'real belief' they can topple the Serbian kingpin.

Djokovic will target an 11th Australian Open title when the tournament takes place between 14-28th and McEnroe points out the last two years, he has headed into the tournament with perceived injuries and still come out the other side to seal victory so isn't placing too much on that and said it is all about the others and whether they have that belief and if not, they have no chance.

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“He [Djokovic] looks incredible, last year was monumental at his age, to be that great still," McEnroe told Eurosport.

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"Maybe we’re not sure about his wrist and if he’s 100% right now but that happened the last two years. He still won both years despite perceived injuries.

“People think he’ll be OK but I don’t know where he is physically. Technically he’s the best player I’ve seen: mentally, physically. Unless you have the real belief in your head that you can beat him, you’ve got no chance at all.

“A few players can rise to the occasion such as Alcaraz at Wimbledon, but few have. He’s won 10 Australian Opens and the law of averages would say someone at some point will win another one.

"But we said the same about Rafa [Nadal] at the French so who knows what will happen.”

Hope for Rune

McEnroe also shared his hope for Holger Rune and believes that his former rival, Boris Becker could take him to the next level and that it can only be good for tennis if it works out between the pair.

“Boris will have a different perspective about life in general and his coaching methods,” said McEnroe.

“He’s got a young player who needs to take that next step to be a Grand Slam champion. If Rune listens to Boris and Boris understands Rune, it could be a great partnership and I’m optimistic it will be good for tennis.”

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