John McEnroe blasts Wimbledon crowds for ‘unfair’ treatment of Novak Djokovic

John McEnroe has slammed the Wimbledon Center Court crowd for their “unfair” treatment of Novak Djokovic in last year’s men’s singles final.

Djokovic was loudly booed and jeered during his 2023 Wimbledon final defeat as British spectators staunchly backed his young opponent Carlos Alcaraz.

The seven-time champion covered his ears and blew sarcastic kisses to fans and was also fined heavily for damaging the net post with his racket.

Given his success and legacy at the Championships, McEnroe believes Djokovic has been unfairly treated, particularly in comparison to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Asked specifically about how Djokovic was treated at Wimbledon last year, McEnroe said Metro.co.uk: ‘Novak not only matched them (Federer and Nadal), but surpassed them in overall achievements, which seemed impossible.

“These two guys, Rafa and Roger, they are total class artists. They are loved and respected around the world. Novak suffers unfair treatment.

“It’s the bad guy, the bad guy. I guess you have to have a good guy and a bad guy in a way. It can help the sport when you have rivalries like that.

“I think it’s unfair, honestly, because he’s great for the game. On and off the pitch.

“He was able to do something I couldn’t do as well, which was turn lemons into lemonade.

“You know, when people want to see the underdog or someone else win, he uses that as fuel to help him. It’s an incredible quality that you can’t underestimate.

McEnroe also shared his thoughts on the women’s singles and named four players who could look to capitalise on Iga Swiatek’s grass-court struggles.

Swiatek has been a dominant force on the WTA Tour for some time – and just won the French Open title with ease – but she has struggled on the grass surface.

“Coco Gauff is a great player,” said McEnroe, a three-time Wimbledon winner, naming her fellow American as one of his four women to watch.

“She has the major (US Open title in 2023) and knows how to play on grass. She is more comfortable with this than Iga Swiatek.

“That doesn’t mean Iga won’t understand something, but she is more vulnerable on grass than on any other surface. That opens the door for other players.

“Elena Rybakina, the way she plays suits her game better and it’s the same for Aryna Sabalenka, they are big hitters. It will be interesting to see what Naomi Osaka can do on grass. The door is open, that’s for sure.

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