Paul McNamee comes out in support of Novak Djokovic, agrees with John McEnroe’s views on the Serb’s Wimbledon outburst

McNamee said McEnroe empathizes with Djokovic as the former knows how it feels when one deals with incessant criticism. 

Paul McNamee comes out in support of Novak Djokovic, agrees with John McEnroe’s views on the Serb’s Wimbledon outburst

Paul McNamee, Novak Djokovic, John McEnroe (Images via Wikipedia, Imago, X)

Novak Djokovic, the player with most Grand Slam titles, is not getting the love and respect he deserves. Along with the loud applause, many fans on the courts tease him with their boos which is why Djokovic has developed the habit of giving them a befitting response by winning matches in style. But their jeers this time provoked him during his fourth-round clash with Hoger Rune at Wimbledon.

John McEnroe, the former American player who was infamous for his angry outbursts and antics that fans did not appreciate, understands how it feels when a player of Djokovic’s caliber has to speak up about the disrespect he is getting in spite of achieving so much in his career. Former Australian player Paul McNamee supported McEnore’s comments on Djokovic. 

YouTube video
He’s been battling this for his whole career. Yes, he feeds off negative energy. And yes, I did feed off that at times. But I hated it in a way. Do you want people yelling at you hoping you’ll lose? Just because you’re so good, they start pulling for the other guy for no reason other than you’re so good. That’s the reason people go against him, in my opinion.
John McEnroe said (via BBC)

McEnroe also believes such a reaction from Djokovic would make more fans go against him. McNamee said McEnroe empathizes with Djokovic as the former knows how it feels when one deals with incessant criticism. 

FS Video
The words of Johnny Mac, who knew how it felt. Spoken with truth and empathy… well spoken my friend.
Paul McNamee wrote on X 

Why Novak Djokovic was angry even after an easy win over Holger Rune?

To put things into context, Novak Djokovic lashed out at the Wimbledon crowd for booing him after they stretched the vowel while chanting Holger Rune‘s name. After his straight-set 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over the 15th seed Dane, Djokovic mimicked the crowd by making some gestures.

Holger Rune, Novak Djokovic
Holger Rune, Novak Djokovic (Image via Imago)

He even wished them a “Goooooooooooood night” first during his winner’s speech and then on X. Later during an interview with Serbian media, he criticized his sponsor, Lacoste, for not doing enough to sell his products.

Djokovic was scheduled to lock horns with Alex de Minaur today, but the Aussie pulled out of the quarterfinals after a hip injury during his fourth-round clash with Arthur Fils. The seven-time Wimbledon champion will either face Taylor Fritz or Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinal. 

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