The ‘Big Three’, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic are undoubtedly up there with the best tennis players of all time. With Federer out due to a long-term injury, Nadal and Djokovic are still battling for supremacy in the Grand Slam race. If we talk about their recent performances, the Serb had an extraordinary 2021 season. Winning three out of four Grand Slams of the year, the 35-year-old only missed out on the US Open title, going down against Daniil Medvedev.

However, the tables have turned this year, with the vaccination controversy keeping Djokovic out of the Australian Open. Nadal grabbed the opportunity and clinched his second Australian Open title. Later, he beat Djokovic on his way to an astonishing 14th French Open title.

Former tennis player John McEnroe believes that Nadal only won the Australian Open title because Djokovic was denied participation in the prestigious Grand Slam event.

John McEnroe on Nadal winning the Australian Open

In a recent podcast with Bill Maher, John McEnroe discussed various topics related to tennis. While talking about the Australian Open controversy, the 63-year-old came in support of Novak Djokovic.

“I don’t blame him, I’d be pissed also if I got thrown out of the f****n country where I won this thing nine times. I texted him I’m on your side, man,” he said.

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Further, the American claimed Nadal won the tournament because of Djokovic’s absence.

“Nadal won the whole f****n thing because he got thrown out, Nadal came in heroic unbelievable effort beating Medvedev from two sets of love down,” he said.

‘Maybe There Is a Political Logic’ – Novak Djokovic Firmly Believes That His Popularity Is Stopping Him From US Open Participation

Although it would be unfair to take away credit from Rafael Nadal, it won’t be wrong to say that the controversy did impact Djokovic’s performances this season.

Novak Djokovic enters the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon Championships 2022

Top seed Novak Djokovic continued his brilliant run of form in the Wimbledon Championships. Looking for his first Grand Slam title of the year, the 35-year-old defeated Tim van Rijthoven in a four-set match. With the victory, the Serb has booked his quarterfinal slot in the grass-court Grand Slam.

Chasing his fourth consecutive Wimbledon title, the defending champion will play against Italian 10th seed Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals.

Watch this story: Rafael Nadal’s biggest fan, Serena Williams, cheers for his success at Wimbledon Championships 2022

The 20-year-old is in brilliant form and comes in with soaring confidence after beating Spanish sensation, Carlos Alcaraz in his last game. It will be interesting to see how the 20-year-old fares against a rampaging Djokovic.