AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2026: JOHN MCENROE IS RIGHT: NOVAK DJOKOVIC CANNOT SURVIVE BOTH SINNER AND ALCARAZ NOW
John McEnroe questions if Novak Djokovic can overcome Sinner and Alcaraz to win an 11th Australian Open title at 38 years old.
John McEnroe calls Novak Djokovic’s ten Australian Open titles “mindblowing”, but he’s not convinced Novak can add another.
Djokovic grabbed his first Grand Slam trophy in Melbourne back in 2008, and the Australian Open has always suited him best. Now he’s chasing an 11th title there—and a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam overall.
“It’s mindblowing,” McEnroe said on TNT Sports. “We talk about Rafa winning 14 French Opens, and that already sounds impossible. Then you look at Novak, and he’s got ten in Australia. It makes you wonder—how does he pull this off every off-season?
“Sometimes he hasn’t played much, and you’re not sure where he’s at, physically or mentally. Then he shows up, does what he does, gets in his opponent’s head, and finds a way. It’s incredible.”
Last season, Djokovic reached the semi-finals at all four Majors, but his quest for a 25th Slam keeps running into Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Sinner beat him at Wimbledon and the French Open, and Alcaraz knocked him out at the US Open.
McEnroe thinks Djokovic still believes he can win in Melbourne, but he’s sceptical about Novak’s chances against both Sinner and Alcaraz in the final rounds.
“In his heart of hearts? I don’t think so. I don’t see him beating both those guys after five tough matches—that’s the problem. That’s the reality he’s facing.
“People might ask, ‘Why keep going if you haven’t won in a couple of years and you’re so used to winning?’ Honestly, why not?
“For me, he’s still No. 3 in the world. He made four semis last year and beat Alcaraz here. He must think he can win, or he wouldn’t play—he’s not the type to show up if he doesn’t believe. But it’s harder now since he doesn’t play as much.”
McEnroe also says Djokovic deserves more recognition. For years, he played in Federer and Nadal’s shadow, and now Alcaraz is the new fan favourite.
“He was like Ivan Drago with Nadal and Federer—those guys were adored, and then along comes Alcaraz, and everyone loves him too. Novak’s probably thinking, ‘Where’s my love? I deserve it.’ And he does.
“He’s been a huge positive for tennis; his record speaks for itself, and he’s always been sharp. The other players respect him. So go ahead, Novak, soak it up and enjoy every minute.”
Djokovic hasn’t played since early October 2025, when he won his 101st career title in Athens. He pulled out of Adelaide at the start of the year, saying he wasn’t “physically ready to compete”. TNT Sports expert Tim Henman thinks the real test for Djokovic is now physical.
“Last year, his consistency in the Slams was just brilliant. It took the two best players to beat him, and he even beat Alcaraz here.
“I’m really curious about where he’s at, not just tennis-wise but physically. It only gets tougher as you get older, and best-of-five matches are brutal.
“He’s raised the bar with his training and nutrition, but improving at this stage is tough. When you’re that good, there’s not much room left. His movement just can’t be what it was.
“When you can’t move as well, you’ve got to take more risks from the baseline and play more aggressively.”
COCO GAUFF BATTLES THROUGH ILLNESS, VOMITING ON COURT TO ADVANCE PAST SORANA CIRSTEA
Coco Gauff battled a severe stomach virus to defeat Sorana Cirstea. See how she survived the illness sweeping the Madrid Open.
Coco Gauff caught the stomach bug that’s been knocking players out left and right at the Madrid Open. Even so, she somehow pulled out a win over Sorana Cirstea, grinding through three sets – 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 – on April 26 to book her spot in the round of 16.
It’s been a rough week in Madrid. Players keep dropping from illness; just ask Iga Swiatek, who had to stop mid-match against Ann Li on April 25, or Marin Cilic, who withdrew before his second-rounder with Joao Fonseca the day before. Liudmila Samsonova didn’t even make it to the court for her third-round match with Linda Noskova; she pulled out sick, too.
Gauff, just 22, threw up into a courtside bin during her match with Cirstea. She called for a medical timeout late in the fight but pushed through, finishing after two hours and 21 minutes.
“Yeah, I don’t know, honestly,” she said afterwards, still sounding a bit dazed. “I was just trying to finish the match, and one point turned into another. I think I picked up what everyone else has here in Madrid. So I’m just going to try to hang on for tomorrow.”
Gauff finished runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka here last year. With her clay season full of points to defend (3,300 from Madrid through the French Open), there’s a lot on her plate and not much time (Roland Garros starts May 24).
“I pulled out at Indian Wells. I really hate retiring, so I didn’t want to do that again today. I’m glad I could tough it out,” said Gauff, who already has two Grand Slam trophies at home.
“I started to feel better, at least not on the verge of throwing up anymore. They gave me some medicine, so that helped.
“But honestly, I was so tired... At first, I was just trying not to throw up the little food I ate. After the meds, I was just wiped out and still nauseous. But I can play like that.”
JANNIK SINNER URGES RIVAL ALCARAZ TO BE PATIENT DURING HIS WRIST RECOVERY
Two-time champion Alcaraz will miss Roland Garros. Jannik Sinner shares his support as the French Open title race gets a shake-up.
So, Carlos Alcaraz, twice a French Open champ, won’t make it to Roland Garros this year. He’s out with an injury, and it’s official. Alcaraz shared the news on social media, saying, “After seeing the test results today, we decided the smartest move is to play it safe, so I won’t compete in Rome or at Roland Garros. We’ll keep an eye on my recovery and figure out the right time to get back on court. It’s a tough moment for me, but I’m sure I’ll come back stronger.”
The tournament wished him a quick recovery with a simple, “We’ll miss you, Carlos!”
With Alcaraz stepping out, Jannik Sinner becomes the clear favourite in Paris. Sure, Novak Djokovic might make his move too; he always does, but right now the buzz is all about Sinner.
Reporters asked Sinner about his chances in France now that his big rival is out. He wasn’t eager to go there. Sinner said, “Honestly, this isn’t about me being the favourite. Tennis needs Carlos; he brings a whole different energy to the sport. And personally, I enjoy having him around because he makes me think about my own game and the tournament differently. Even though we’d only clash in the final as the top two seeds, it just feels better when he’s part of the draw. I hope he recovers quickly. It’s really difficult for tennis when a top player is injured, especially with the wrists. Look at what’s happened to others. I just hope he takes his time and comes back fully ready. Nobody wants to see him rush back and end up with a worse problem.”
Fans loved Sinner’s answer. Videos from the press conference popped up on social media, with people calling it “pure class". One fan commented, “That’s class. Don’t root for others to get hurt.” Another added, “Jannik Sinner, pure class for his rival dealing with a serious injury." Nothing but respect between these two young legends. And really, it’s hard to disagree. Sinner kept it respectful. He knows his odds are better now, but he made it clear: tennis just isn’t the same without Alcaraz.
