A few days ago Rafael Nadal announced his withdrawal from the 2024 Australian Open due to an injury. Now, the fans in the ‘Land Down Under’ look concerned about the other one among the ‘Big Three’. Novak Djokovic was seen seeking medical attention for his wrist problem during his match against Alex de Minaur at the United Cup last week. Can Novak Djokovic now put that disappointment aside and make a good start to his campaign at his most successful major event?

Well, American tennis legend John McEnroe has an answer. His latest exclusive interview with Eurosport sees him draw a Rafael Nadal parallel while predicting Djokovic’s AO fate.

John McEnroe predicts bleak Australian Open for Novak Djokovic

Just a couple of days ago Holger Rune asked all the young players to ‘step up’ against Novak Djokovic if they want to stop him from taking away all the major titles. John McEnroe had a similar message for those playing against the world number 1, “He [Djokovic] looks incredible, last year was monumental at his age, to be that great still. Maybe we’re not sure about his wrist and if he’s 100% right now but that happened the last two years. He still won both years despite perceived injuries.”

“People think he’ll be OK but I don’t know where he is physically. Technically he’s the best player I’ve seen: mentally, physically. Unless you have the real belief in your head that you can beat him, you’ve got no chance at all,” he added.

He further added, “A few players can rise to the occasion such as Alcaraz at Wimbledon, but few have. He’s won 10 Australian Opens and the law of averages would say someone at some point will win another one. But we said the same about Rafa [Nadal] at the French so who knows what will happen.”

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The Serb had an outstanding year in 2023 and the path looks all clear to start his campaign at the AO this year as well. To many, it looks certain he might repeat his heroics because the tennis world is enraged seeing an easy draw for the reigning Australian Open champion.

Djokovic gets an easy draw for the 2024 Australian Open

The 10-time AO winner will face a qualifier in the first round of the tournament. Although the injury remains a concern among his fans he has suggested that he’d get fit well in time before his first match. Novak Djokovic has an outstanding record winning the last four tournaments whenever he stepped in at Melbourne Park and this year’s draw has earned the ire of fans at how easy it seems.

Djokovic’s last defeat at the event came in 2018 and his win-loss record is 89-8 (92%). Can he showcase his dominance yet again at the 56th edition of this 119-year-old tournament? Share your views in the comments section.

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