Tennis legend John McEnroe has heaped praise on Novak Djokovic saying that the Serb’s stunning 37-match unbeaten run in 2011 is more impressive than his record-breaking run of 42 wins he achieved in 1984. The 52-year-old American said ahead of the finals of the ATP Champions Tour in London that he has been amazed by what he has seen from the the world number two in the last few months.
“Given that there’s more competition, more athleticism and deeper fields now, I’d say his record is even more impressive than mine,” said McEnroe. “Especially given that in 1984, the major in Australia was played at the end of the year, whereas he had to win it (as part of his streak). “I was coming into my first Grand Slam of the year at the French, where the streak was broken (in the final against Ivan Lendl). So things are different. “Also, he came into the year at No.3 and to be able to dominate (higher ranked players) the way he has, well, to put it mildly, it’s been quite amazing to see what he’s done and how much more confidently he’s playing.”
McEnroe, who went on to dismantle Jimmy Connors in one of the greatest Wimbledon performances ever seen in the 1984 final, said that he is actually pulling for Djokovic to break his record. “I’m quite excited that he might break my record at the French Open,” he said. “Records are made to be broken. Its the definition of mixed emotions. I think I’ve pretty much lost every record that I had but, at the same time, I know that this has been a shot in the arm for our sport.
“Everyone knew he was capable, because he had won a major and he showed some heart at the (2010 US) Open, when he came from two match points down (in the semi-final against Roger Federer). To see what he’s done since then, I hasten to say that even he’s a little surprised.” To beat McEnroe’s record Djokovic would need to reach the final at Roland Garros for the first time in his career.
