John McEnroe calls foul on fan treatment of Novak Djokovic

Former world number one John McEnroe believes that Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic has not received fair treatment from the fans in his rivals with Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Switzerland’s Roger Federer. All three are regarded as the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category. Because of their success on the court, they are renowned as the ‘Big Three’ in men’s tennis.

Federer and Nadal started their rivalry much earlier than Djokovic's arrival. The Serb, however, is now the most successful player in the history of men’s tennis in the Open era, having won as many as 24 Grand Slam titles. McEnroe, who is also a former world number one and has now become a commentator, was recently quoted in a report where he highlighted how Djokovic did not receive fair treatment from the fans.

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“Novak has not only equalled them [Federer and Nadal] but surpassed them in overall achievements, which seemed impossible,” he said. “Both of those guys, Rafa and Roger, they are total class acts. They are loved and respected around the world. Novak gets the unfair treatment. He’s the villain, the bad guy. I guess you need a good guy and a bad guy in a way. It can help the sport when you have rivalries like that. I think it’s been unfair, honestly, because he is great for the game. On and off the court.”

Federer retired from professional tennis in 2022 after struggling with fitness concerns. He finished his career with 20 Grand Slam titles. He was the first player in men’s tennis in the singles category to win more than 15 major titles. He was also the first to reason the tally of 20 Grand Slams in men’s tennis.

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On the other hand, Nadal has already announced that the 2024 season will be his last at the highest level after consistent struggle with fitness concerns. The 37-year-old has won 22 Grand Slams in his illustrious career. Djokovic is currently spending time on the sidelines as he is recovering from a knee injury sustained during the French Open which forced him to withdraw just before the start of the quarterfinal against Norway’s Casper Ruud.