Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas are battling for the Australian Open title and the ATP throne. Whoever wins will become world no. 1 on Monday, replacing Carlos Alcaraz after 20 weeks. John McEnroe picked Djokovic at the start of the tournament and did not change his opinion ahead of the final.
McEnroe predicted a 3-1 victory for the Serb, chasing Rafael Nadal’s 22 Major titles. John praised Tsitsipas and his level en route to the final, saying it would be nice to see a new face with a Major trophy but still giving Novak the edge.
Djokovic is seeking his tenth Australian Open crown, trying to become the second player with ten titles at the same Major after Nadal. Also, he would become world no. 1 again at 35 despite missing many notable tournaments in 2022.
John McEnroe backs Novak Djokovic to win the Australian Open.
“I picked Novak to win the tournament before the event; I’m sure many people did. I will not switch my pick before the final, as my guy is still there; I have to stick with Novak.
I pick Novak in four sets. I’m hoping for the excitement, even if I will call it in the middle of the night, that this will be a good match. Tsitsipas is playing well enough to offer a good match, being in a good place mentally.
Even when he blew the third set against Khachanov, he still won that match easily. However, it will take him a lot to overcome Novak, probably too much. It will be great for tennis if Tsitsipas wins. It’s a no-lose situation. If Novak wins, he will tie Rafa, and we can talk about that on our way to Roland Garros and what will happen there.
If Tsitsipas wins, it’s like a continuation of what we have seen recently from the up-and-coming players. It will be excellent because we need some new blood in the men’s game, that’s for sure. For Novak, this match is so huge.
He can become world no. 1 again and match Rafa’s record of 22 Major titles. It’s a big moment for him and our sport. Novak wants to achieve every record, especially at Majors. That puts you under pressure, and I give him credit for embracing the challenge and not walking away from it,” John McEnroe said.
