“If that doesn’t change the organizers’ minds, what will?” John McEnroe criticizes French Open organizers for their treatment of Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic had to pull out of this year's French Open due to a knee injury he suffered in the fourth round.

“If that doesn’t change the organizers’ minds, what will?” John McEnroe criticizes French Open organizers for their treatment of Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic and John McEnroe (via Imago)

Novak Djokovic gears up for a comeback at Wimbledon just three weeks after knee surgery, brushing aside speculations about his withdrawal. During the French Open, a tight schedule and drawn-out matches took a toll on the Serb’s legs, forcing him to pull out before the quarter-final.

The organizers received severe backlash from fans for their schedule and John McEnroe continues to bash them as no amends seem to be in progress. 

Djokovic‘s match against Lorenzo Musetti at the French Open ended past 3 am and McEnroe felt it needs to be held as an example of bad organization and hoped it can bring forth changes. 

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If Novak Djokovic's injury doesn't change the organizers' minds, what will? The best player in history gets injured – and playing against Musetti until three in the morning played a role. No one can tell me that it doesn't have an influence on his body, on his entire system.
John McEnroe said as per The Times

A legend of the game himself, McEnroe understands the effects that long matches can have on a player’s body and is sure that is what caused even a seemingly invincible Djokovic to succumb to ailments.

I propose a happy medium. This is a compromise I would start with rather than going all the way to best of three sets. There is something that separates the men from the boys when you play best of five sets rather than best of three sets. It’s a big change and a big demand, so it takes a combination of explosive speed and endurance, which makes tennis even more difficult.
John McEnroe added

Novak Djokovic reveals he is pain free as prepares for a comeback, eyeing eighth Wimbledon title

Djokovic has gone over six months without a title, which is one of the biggest title draughts he has had in the last decade. Despite this, he is confident he can compete at a level high enough to win more Grand Slam events.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic ( Via Open Source/X)

Having undergone an intense recovery process after his surgery, he hints that he is in his best form, revealing that he is completely pain-free. He played an exhibition match against Daniil Medvedev, prevailing 6-3, 6-4 whilst wearing a knee brace.

I've played a couple of practice sets, but I really wanted to test myself. The test was very successful so I'm obviously really glad. It's been an intense three week after surgery, spending a lot of hours rehabbing. I can tell you that I enjoyed myself really, really much today. I can tell you that pain-free tennis is the best tennis. I was pain-free and I am really glad.
Novak Djokovic said in the interview after exhibition match against Medvedev

He also mentions that being pain-free has allowed him to enjoy being back on the courts again and that he looks forward to the tournament. Djokovic’s campaign for Wimbledon starts on Tuesday, as he takes on unseeded Vit Kopriva.

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