CNN
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Former tennis player and US Davis Cup team captain Patrick McEnroe said Novak Djokovic could win another “four to five” grand slams before he retires.
The Serbian equaled Rafael Nadal’s men’s grand slam record after winning his 22nd Australian Open title on Sunday and looked unstoppable for much of the tournament.
“I think he’s going to win four or five more,” McEnroe told CNN’s Amanda Davis. “He seems to be as healthy as ever.
“He is the favorite in three out of four [grand slams] For the next one, I’d say two years.”
McEnroe says “all is well again in the world of men’s tennis” after Djokovic returned to world No. 1 for a record 374th week.
Sunday’s victory was his 10th at the Australian Open, making him only the second man to win more than 10 titles at a single event.
While fans have grown accustomed to watching Djokovic lift trophies, the Serb’s emotional reaction to victory in Melbourne drew plenty of comments.
The 35-year-old wept in court as he celebrated with friends and family, later telling reporters he was “an emotional wreck”.
It comes after a difficult 12 months for the Serb, which began last year when Djokovic failed to defend his title in 2022 after being deported from Australia due to his Covid-19 vaccination status.
He was then banned from playing at the US Open – again due to his vaccination status – and was at the center of global news.
McEnroe said Djokovic still plays with a “huge chip on his shoulder” after the controversy, which has put him at even greater risk on tour.
“I think he’s playing as well as he’s ever played, which is amazing at 35,” added McEnroe, who was a singles semifinalist at the 1991 Australian Open and a doubles winner at the 1989 French Open.
“To think that this guy is just getting better and you saw him show his head, his heart even when he won the title, and he was still determined.
“But as soon as he went to his family and coaches in the box, all the emotions came out.”
McEnroe isn’t the only one predicting Djokovic’s success.
This was announced by Australian star Nick Kyrgios Twitter The Serbian claimed he was “easily within 28 shots” after seeing off Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets on Sunday.
If Djokovic adds more grand slam titles to his current tally, he will further his claim to be the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis.
The debate also includes Nadal, who currently holds the same Grand Slam title as Djokovic, and Roger Federer, who has retired after winning 20 Grand Slams.
While he said it’s too early to call Djokovic the greatest of all time, McEnroe said it’s arguable that Djokovic has the upper hand.
“His dominance on serves was a little bit wider than the two legendary players,” he said.
“He’s better with both and better at other big tournaments, but still has a lot of tennis to play.”
If he stays fit, Nadal will love to add to his trophy cabinet at the next grand slam at Roland Garros; He won the title 14 times.
But Djokovic will then be the man to stop at Wimbledon and will be the favorite again at the US Open if the authorities allow him to play this year, McEnroe said.
