McEnroe: 'People can even say that with Roger Federer and Nadal around...'

In addition to the usual fight for those who finish their careers with the most Grand Slam titles, a challenge that currently sees Roger Federer ahead of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, there is a particular record where Novak Djokovic can catch up and overtake the Swiss champion. This particular record concerns the statistical rate of match wins at Roland Garros where Rafael Nadal obviously dominates but where in this edition Novak Djokovic can overtake Roger Federer. In recent years the Swiss has tried several times to repeat the triumph of 2009, but has only won one tournament in Paris despite having often gone very far. In particular, Federer has played no less than 5 finals at Roland Garros and has a record of 70 wins and 17 defeats; However, Novak Djokovic looks closely at this record and is currently very close with 68 wins and 14 losses. With 3 victories Djokovic can therefore surpass Roger Federer and statistics in hand as the Serbian champion comes from an incredible series of successes, it seems likely that he will succeed. Furthermore, the Swiss is currently stopped due to an injury and is consequently unable to defend this particular record. John McEnroe has given his verdict on the Big Four before the French Open – and has claimed Novak Djokovic has a great chance of stopping Rafa Nadal equalling Roger Federer's record of Grand Slam titles.

McEnroe on Novak Djokovic

“Obviously his US Open disqualification was an accident, it was a catastrophe for him. Novak Djokovic sort of made history so it’s an opportunity that’s gone by the wayside because he was probably going to win the whole thing so it is a wasted chance but how he responded afterwards, he did absolutely the right thing so he set himself up, it’s him and Thiem and Rafael Nadal. I’m surprised that it doesn’t seem to have affected him that much and that’s shows a lot of strength of character. It’s like a one in a million, so it’s just unfortunate but I think, no, they didn’t have any choice at that time, unfortunately. I think he’s very thoughtful, he comes out and says that he wants to make history and be the best of the best, which is putting even more expectation on yourself but he’s embraced that. He’s a deep thinker, he’s continually trying to work on his game. He’s been able to break himself into the two all-time greatest players and be part of that mix where you decide maybe Novak will be the greatest. The fact that people can even say that with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal around shows you how amazing a player he is. He’s always been in the shadow in a way, trying to break into that mix. I respect that, I had that a little myself – Novak is a way better player than I was but I had the same thing with Connors and Borg and trying to get that respect and be thought of in the same way. He’s been able to do that, so that shows you a lot about his character. I rate Novak’s chances as highly as high as Rafa's at the French Open, yes. Normally, you’d go with Rafa but at some point, I mean he’s won it 12 times, but it seems like he’s as well set up as he’s ever been" - John McEnroe said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3ickpxM