John McEnroe mesmerised by ‘not normal’ Novak Djokovic as Serb thrives on ‘greatest challenge of his career’

“Truly amazing”, “almost in shock” and “unbelievable at dealing with adversity” were just some of the thoughts from the tennis pundits following Novak Djokovic’s latest incredible comeback at the French Open.

For the second consecutive match, Djokovic pulled off yet another great escape as he came from two sets to one and a break down in the fourth set to defeat Francisco Cerundolo in five sets.

The tennis great has spent more than nine hours on court in his last two matches at Roland Garros as his clash against Lorenzo Musetti also went the distance.

How does he keep on doing it?

Tennis great John McEnroe waxed lyrical as he told Eurosport : “I’ve been involved in tennis for 50 years. 15 years on the tour, I’ve been commentating, being a backseat driver for the past 30 years and I am still mesmerised and amazed that this guy can pull this off.

“We were talking about how the last time he won back-to-back five-set matches was 12 years ago – he was 25…How does this guy at 37 still find a way to pull these matches out…it’s truly amazing.”

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Former British No 1 Tim Henman was a bit stunned by the latest Djokovic escape act.

“It is absolutely unbelievable, it’s amazing to watch this level of tennis and his ability to deal with the adversity and to come up with the shots at the most important moment,” he said.

“I stand here, and I’m almost in shock, but then this is what he does and think why am I surprised he’s done it so many times. He finds a way to get the job done and that’s why he’s one of the greats of all time, an incredible performance, straight off the back of an absolute epic the round before.”

Djokovic also struggled with knee injury during his match and there is no doubt that he will need a good recovery session if he is going to be fit for the quarter-final match against Casper Ruud.

The former world No 4 and six-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Henman added: “I think with any other player, someone over the age of 30, I would say no I don’t think they can. But, this is Novak Djokovic, he’s not normal. This will challenge him.

“He’ll be having to do all sorts – the ice bath, the massage, the stretching, everything in his power to recharge the batteries. But I think this is the perfect environment for him. These scenarios are perfect for him to maybe have the greatest challenge of his career.”

Seven-time Grand Slam winner Mats Wilander believes Djokovic always manages to find another level when he is up against it.

“There was 3 or 4 tennis matches in one match. And I think Novak is unbelievable at dealing with adversity, at coming back,” he said.

“He’s also unbelievable at using the rules that are allowed to be used for professional tennis players these days. I have no doubts that his knee was sore but somehow he figures out that he has to play in a certain way.

“I think sometimes when you’re injured it’s easier to make certain choices. Then, he started feeling much better again. In the end, I thought he played like he normally does. He took the medical time out, again I’m not saying he was not injured, but it helps to clear his mind.”

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