John McEnroe Faces Furious Fans Over Novak Djokovic & Carlos Alcaraz Comments During US Open

“We know they’re the two best players in the world. Everybody’s probably expecting the final between them. I’m going to try to mess up the plans of most of the people.” Before entering yet another grand slam semifinals, Novak Djokovic was certain that, when healthy, he could very much defeat both the tops players, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and his USO SF opponent Carlos Alcaraz. Before the USO semis, Djokovic does lead 5-3 over the Spaniard, although follows Sinner by 4-6. Just a day later in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Nole proved that his age is just a number. 

No, he didn’t win. Alcaraz, however, did mention that it was physical. From the beginning of the match, the Spaniard controlled the tempo of the game, making it challenging for Djokovic to keep up with the pace. But in the second set, Djokovic almost tied the series. In fact, the 2022 US Open winner had to convert on a tight tiebreaker and swept his ticket to the Finals with a 4-6, 6-7, 2-6 win. But during the game, John McEnroe did not believe that Djokovic could continue playing at this level for long. His commentary, as a result, did not sit well with the fans.

In Australian Open quarterfinals earlier this year, John McEnroe had commented, “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine. Don’t be fooled.” It’s safe to say, the tennis followers did not like such jabs on the 38-year-old. Now, the legendary pundit, stirred the pot again when he made the controversial claim that this might be Djokovic’s last Grand Slam chance. A tennis fan called him out instantly, “I really hate John McEnroe on Novak’s matches. He’s always trying to subtly discredit him.”

The Serb has been defeated in all his semifinal appearances this season, and this being the last slam of the year gave way to his remark. However, it should also be noted that Djokovic has appeared till semifinals of every slam this year. The difference is, of course, there, given his age and injuries, but Djokovic himself has been uncertain about his game.

Competing at 38 with recent injuries is no joke. Yet, before the event, Nole was positive, saying, “Feeling alright. Let’s see. Once I step on court we’ll see. Expecting a very physical match. I’ll give my best as I do every time.” Yet, he continues to compete. But after McEnroe’s comment, his fans did not stay quiet.

Fans enraged over John McEnroe’s odd comment

Novak Djokovic entered the tour in 2005 and took on legends like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Compared to the Swiss and Spanish icons, Nole has racked up the most Slams and held the No.1 ranking for a record 428 weeks. And while he may not be able to break the current dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, that doesn’t mean he’s never beaten them! That’s what got a fan talking about McEnroe’s commentary for the two players.

They wrote, “John McEnroe when talking about Alcaraz and a shot he missed lol… he had plenty of chances to put the ball where he wanted to and make ‘that guy’ move! 🤡 dear John, he’s playing likely the greatest tennis player that played the sport and you say that guy lol! @JohnMcEnroe.” It’s true, Novak Djokovic has undeniably been the GOAT for two decades. In fact, he is bridging the previous golden generation to the next. So far, he is still holding up quite well with both.

Another fan struggled with McEnroe’s commentary too, writing, “John McEnroe is irritating yasis! At be impartial with your commentary #USOpen.” The frustration isn’t new—this year, fans called out McEnroe and his brother, Patrick, at the French Open for commentary that was “insufferable.” Of course, a commentator has to be impartial when announcing in a match, but McEnroe has been at the gun point for it for a long time. Another user put it, “What insight does John McEnroe add to a tennis broadcast? Anything? Anything at all? #USOpen.”

John McEnroe is a legend in tennis, thanks to his explosive skill, fierce competitiveness, and a haul of 155 total career titles, including seven Grand Slam singles and nine doubles majors. He ranked in top 10 for ten years and was four times World No. 1 between 1981-84. His creative play turned him into an artist on court, and his fiery personality added drama to every match. It earned him the name ‘SuperBrat‘!

Now, when McEnroe steps into the commentary booth, fans expect depth, wit, and insider perspective. But, as many point out, that’s not always what he delivers. One user summed up their feelings: “Don’t know why I’m being forced to listen to this sadistic shriveled up old f*** that is John McEnroe. Like pack this one up. Never ever has anything positive to say.”

The 66-year-old’s style hasn’t changed much over time. Asked about criticism, he’s remained firm: “For the most part, I don’t change [my style], I just try to be myself. I understand the game has changed quite a bit in the last 30 years,” he said, and he’s stood true to that.

Now, Novak Djokovic ultimately lost the match to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. But the drama at the US Open isn’t over yet—the Spaniard now awaits Jannik Sinner or Felix Auger-Aliassime in the finals. Will McEnroe do justice to the championship set this time? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t miss the US Open drama on our Live Blog!