John McEnroe makes controversial comment about Novak Djokovic during his match with Carlos Alcaraz as some fans bite back

John McEnroe made his feelings known about Novak Djokovic’s injury against Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion commented on one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament and it certainly did not disappoint as Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.

The 61-year-old is no stranger to speaking his mind both when he was a player and since he became an analyst.

The American provided another example of that during the quarter-final between the World number three and the Olympic champion and it had a divisive response.

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During the latest contest between Djokovic and Alcaraz at the Australian Open, the Serbian appeared to be experiencing some discomfort in his leg.

This seemed to limit his movement in the first set, which Alcaraz won, and early parts of the second set.

Djokovic took a medical timeout while trailing 4-5 and as the second and third set wore on, he began to move more freely.

But despite Djokovic being somewhat hampered by the problem at one stage, John McEnroe was not convinced as he controversially remarked on commentary: “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine. Don’t be fooled.”

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His brother Patrick McEnroe, who was also on commentary, said to him: “Did you see this coming?,” to which the three-time Wimbledon winner replied: “Yes.”

Some fans were not happy with his comments as one X user wrote: “John McEnroe doubting Djokovic’s injury/discomfort.

Why would a legend need to feign an injury?” while another posted: “You can very clearly see his movement struggles as well, horrible from McEnroe.”

This frustrated fan said: “Yeah, really smart for Djokovic to “pretend” to have worse movement in the most crucial parts of this match just to “fool” everyone. Makes no sense, John.”

Another user posted: “First time I agree with McEnroe, although the injury looks real this time,” and while this other fan did not hold back.

“One day you are going to look back and realise how stupid and blinded you were just because of your hating attitude towards the best ever,” they remarked.

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What has previously been said about Novak Djokovic and injuries during matches?

Djokovic, who will play Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semi-finals, has suffered from an injury or discomfort in previous matches, to then overcome the adversity and find his best tennis.

McEnroe is not the only person to make controversial remarks about some of Djokovic’s on court injuries, as the former World number eight John Alexander previously accused Djokovic of “strategically” using medical timeouts.

In January 2023, Djokovic hit back at those who questioned his on-court injuries, and said the comments only motivate him to play better.

“Only my injuries are questioned. When some other players are injured, then they are the victims, but when it is me, I am faking it. It is very interesting. I don’t feel that I need to prove anything to anyone” he said.

“I am not really interested at this point what people are thinking and saying. “But I am used to it and it just gives me extra strength and motivation. So I thank them for that.”

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