McEnroe Questions Djokovic’s Australian Open Hopes Amid Sinner-Alcaraz Dominance
MELBOURNE, 20 January 2026 – Tennis legend John McEnroe has delivered a stark assessment of Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, questioning whether the 38-year-old can physically withstand the tournament’s demands and overcome the sport’s dominant duo: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
The Physical Challenge of Ageing Champions
Speaking ahead of the tournament’s second round, McEnroe expressed doubts about Djokovic’s ability to navigate a full Grand Slam draw and still have enough energy to defeat both Sinner and Alcaraz in the latter stages. “In his heart of hearts and in my opinion, no. I don’t think he can beat both of those guys when he has already had to go through five matches,” McEnroe told TNT Sports.
The American’s concerns are grounded in recent history. Sinner and Alcaraz have combined to defeat Djokovic six times in Grand Slam matches over the past two seasons. Alcaraz claimed victories in consecutive Wimbledon finals (2023 and 2024) and added a US Open semifinal win in 2025. Sinner’s breakthrough came in the 2024 Australian Open semifinals, followed by straight-set wins at the 2025 French Open and Wimbledon.
Djokovic’s Historic Milestone Amid Uncertainty
Despite the scepticism, Djokovic began his 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, defeating Pedro Martínez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 on 19 January to record his 100th career victory at Melbourne Park. This achievement makes him the first man to reach 100 match wins at three different Grand Slams, having previously reached the milestone at Wimbledon (102 wins) and Roland Garros (101 wins).
The Serbian now sets his sights on surpassing Roger Federer’s record of 102 Australian Open match victories. His next challenge comes against Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in the second round.
McEnroe on Djokovic’s PTPA Exit and Tennis Governance
Beyond on-court analysis, McEnroe weighed in on Djokovic’s recent departure from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which the Serb co-founded with Vasek Pospisil in September 2020. Djokovic announced his exit on 4 January 2026, citing concerns about “transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.”
McEnroe expressed surprise at the sudden move, particularly given the organisation’s previous legal actions against the ATP, WTA, and International Tennis Federation in March 2025. “It came practically out of nowhere,” McEnroe said. “I’m not even sure if it’s a union or an association – and the difference between the two terms is huge.”
The tennis icon used the situation to highlight broader issues within the sport’s governance. “Tennis is too fragmented,” McEnroe stated. “Even the PTPA was fragmented from the start because there is already the ATP. It’s a problem about 45 years old. In my opinion, the players have never been treated fairly, which is why the ATP was founded in the first place.”
Historical Context: McEnroe’s Own Australian Open Experiences
McEnroe’s insights carry particular weight given his own experiences with the Australian Open during its less prestigious era. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the tournament was often scheduled during the Christmas and New Year period, discouraging top players from making the long journey.
“I didn’t like the schedule, some years it even fell during Christmas and New Year’s. It was a mess,” McEnroe recalled of editions in 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1981. This scheduling contributed to the absence of many leading stars during that period, though McEnroe did compete in the 1983 tournament when increased prize money attracted a stronger field.
Key Statistics: Djokovic vs The New Generation
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Djokovic’s Australian Open Record | 100-10 (10 titles) |
| Grand Slam Titles | 24 (seeking record 25th) |
| Age | 38 (turns 39 in May 2026) |
| Sinner vs Djokovic (Grand Slams) | 3-0 since 2024 Australian Open |
| Alcaraz vs Djokovic (Grand Slams) | 3-2 since 2023 Wimbledon |
| Combined Slam Wins vs Djokovic | 6 by Sinner & Alcaraz (2024-2025) |
The Path Forward for Djokovic and Tennis
As the Australian Open progresses, all eyes will be on whether Djokovic can defy McEnroe’s doubts and mount another championship run. The Serbian’s immediate focus remains on his second-round match, but the broader questions about tennis’s future structure – highlighted by the PTPA saga – continue to loom over the sport.
McEnroe believes Djokovic wouldn’t compete if he didn’t believe victory was possible. “No one knows Novak better than Novak, and I don’t think he’d approach a tournament thinking he couldn’t win it,” he said. However, the American legend added a crucial caveat: “He has more opportunities to beat Jannik and Carlos in best-of-three sets than in best-of-five.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does John McEnroe doubt Djokovic can win the Australian Open?
McEnroe questions whether the 38-year-old Djokovic can physically withstand seven best-of-five-set matches and still have enough energy to defeat both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the latter stages. His doubts are based on the younger players’ recent dominance over Djokovic in Grand Slam matches.
What is the PTPA and why did Djokovic leave it?
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) was co-founded by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil in 2020 to advocate for players’ rights. Djokovic stepped down as president in 2023 to focus on his tennis career, but remains involved as a board member.
What is Novak Djokovic’s net worth?
Novak Djokovic’s net worth is estimated to be around $240 million, making him one of the wealthiest tennis players in history. His earnings come from prize money, endorsements, and business ventures.
How many Grand Slam titles does Novak Djokovic have?
As of 2024, Novak Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, holding the record for most major titles in men’s tennis history.
What is Novak Djokovic’s height?
Novak Djokovic is 1.88 metres (6 feet 2 inches) tall.