“I was 30 and thought that was pretty good”: John McEnroe admits surprise at Djokovic’s 39-year career

Sunday, 14 June 2026 at 15:25

John McEnroe placed Novak Djokovic’s longevity at the centre of his assessment of the modern game, describing the Serbian’s continued presence at the top level at 39 as something that would have been unthinkable in previous eras. Speaking on Off Court with Greg Rusedski, McEnroe contrasted Djokovic’s career trajectory with his own generation, where players rarely extended beyond their early 30s in elite competition.

The discussion framed Djokovic not as an exception within modern tennis, but as a structural anomaly when viewed across decades. McEnroe repeatedly returned to the idea that career length has fundamentally changed, but even within that evolution, Djokovic stands apart as an outlier who continues to compete at the highest level despite age norms that once defined retirement.

Alongside Djokovic, McEnroe also touched on Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but only as supporting reference points within a broader conversation about physical demands and the sustainability of modern tennis careers. However, the emphasis remained firmly on Djokovic as the clearest example of longevity reshaping expectations.

The former world No. 1 also linked Djokovic’s endurance to wider changes in sports science, preparation, and professional discipline, while still insisting that no technological or medical shift fully explains what the Serbian has achieved relative to earlier generations.

“Somewhat superhuman” – McEnroe on Djokovic at 39

McEnroe’s strongest language came when directly assessing Djokovic’s ability to continue competing at an elite level at 39, a milestone he framed as historically exceptional rather than merely impressive. He compared it directly to his own career expectations, where reaching 30 already felt like a late-stage achievement in professional terms.

“Yeah, I wish I could. I was 30 and I was like, wow, pretty good, I made it to 30. It was a different time. Jimmy Connors played late, but most guys didn’t make it this long. This is somewhat superhuman that he’s still doing it, even though it’s been a couple of years. He seems so motivated. God bless him if he wants to keep doing it.”

McEnroe reinforced the generational contrast by referencing Bjorn Borg’s early retirement and the rarity of extended careers in his era. “Novak is just divine time. And I also think sports medicine is so much better these days. And he is just so disciplined in making sure everything's perfect.”

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Sinner, Alcaraz and the pressure of modern physical limits

While Djokovic dominated the longevity narrative, McEnroe also addressed the physical fragility emerging among younger top players, particularly Jannik Sinner, whose repeated cramping issues under extreme conditions have become a recurring talking point.

“This is not a new issue. He’s had trouble with this for a couple of years,” Mcenroe said. “I know it is brutal when you have to deal with this type of heat, but he’s had three, four, five different occasions where he’s cramped up.”

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“They’ve been doing everything they possibly could, testing, food intake, recovery, to minimise this issue. And I think they will continue to do that. But it’s also in his head a little bit. It shows he’s human.”

McEnroe also referenced Carlos Alcaraz’s absence from parts of the season, framing it as a loss for the sport’s competitive structure at the very top. “I know I was depressed. I was bummed out that he wasn’t here. He’s the best representative we have in our sport in terms of what he brings to the table. Whenever your best player, first or second, or they’re tied, it hurts.”

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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