"Novak Djokovic is Darth Vader compared to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal"- John McEnroe urges greater respect for Serb amid Wimbledon booing controversy
John McEnroe has spoken up about the disrespect that has come Novak Djokovic's way over the course of the Serb's career. McEnroe likened the 24-time Grand Slam champion to Darth Vader, the prime antagonist from the Star Wars franchise.
The 65-year-old's words came in the aftermath of Djokovic's controversial on-court interview following his straight-sets win over Holger Rune in the fourth round of the ongoing 2024 Wimbledon Championships.
Djokovic was in full flow against Rune on Monday, July 8, barely allowing the talented-yet-often-erratic Dane any time to settle. The Serb cruised to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win in just two hours and three minutes. However, after the match, Djokovic mocked a section of the crowd for apparently disrespecting him during the match.
The World No. 2 blatantly taunted the crowd, saying that he has played at enviroments that were much more hostile, and their apparent disrespect had little to no effect on his game. Last but not least, Djokovic wished them "good night" repeatedly in a mocking tone.
Recently, McEnroe, who is currently at Wimbledon serving as one of the commentators and analysts for the BBC, questioned why Djokovic has been subject to criticism and disrespect despite his staggering achievements.
McEnroe asked during a conversation with BBC TV's Claire Balding,
"Don't you think there's been at least 100 matches over the course of the last 10-15 years that Djokovic has been disrespected because of how good he is? What has he done that's so bad? Name it. What is it, he wants it? He competes as hard as anyone who's ever competed? Is it the look, where he's from?"
The seven-time Major champion proceeded to compare the treatment meted out to Djokovic to how his greatest rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are treated.
McEnroe went on to hail the Serb as the greatest ever player tennis has seen simply because of how much he has achieved despite almost always coming under fire for his unconventional views and honest opinions.
"He's like the Darth Vader compared to two of the classiest acts we've seen play tennis - Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Who can compare to them in terms of what they brought to the table? Nobody - and then this guy Djokovic spoils the party. So then how about respecting him after all this? He's by far the guy who's taken the worst heat and that's why I would say he's the greatest that's ever played," McEnroe added.
Novak Djokovic opened up about his controversial post-match swipe at Wimbledon 2024 crowd
At a press conference, Djokovic reflected on how he addressed the crowd moments after ousting Rune from SW19. The Serb maintained that fans, irrespective of who they support, have every right to cheer because they pay for their tickets. However, he stood by his decision to mock them, saying that he will "react" if people in the crowd cross the line.
"True tennis fans who respect the players will always cheer for one player or another, it's completely understandable and they have the freedom to do so. Now, if someone goes too far, I react. That's what happened. After the match I said what I said," Djokovic said.
Djokovic is set to face one of the fastest players on the ATP Tour, Alex de Minaur, next in the Wimbledon 2024 quarterfinals on Wednesday, July 10. If the Serb secures victory over de Minaur, he will go on face either Taylor Fritz or Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals.