‘They Should Be Happy He Cares’ – John McEnroe’s Harsh Words to the Crowd After Their Attitude Towards Novak Djokovic in French Open Quarter-Final Against Rafael Nadal

Jun 1, 2022 | 9:30 AM EDT

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Tennis legend John McEnroe came out in defense of World No.1 Novak Djokovic after his quarter-final against Rafael Nadal. Nadal and Djokovic met for the 59th time in their careers, but it was the Spaniard who prevailed in 4 sets 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6.

The Serbian looked far from his best as he struggled to break down the Spaniard’s impressive shot-making in the match. Moreover, the crowd support did not seem to help the 35-year-old after losing his cool once again in the fourth set.

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McEnroe defends Novak Djokovic

Ahead of the blockbuster match, Djokovic’s entry into Court Phillipe-Chatrier was met with resounding boos in the crowd. However, the American commentator wasn’t too pleased with the reaction from the spectators. In an interview with Eurosport, he addressed the boos saying, “I think it blows basically is what I think.”

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“I mean, cut the guy some slack. I mean, come on! He’s out there battling, he hit the ball, he thinks it’s going to be a winner… it clips the tape, and then that’s harsh. That’s all I can say. They should be happy he cares that much,” he concluded.

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Djokovic was seemingly frustrated throughout the match slamming the racquet on the net. But, this is not the first time, Djokovic has come across the situation. During his previous match against Argentinian Diego Schwartzman, there was a huge crowd rooting against the top seed.

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Will Djokovic stay at the top of the rankings?

After winning his first title in Rome last month, Djokovic went into Roland Garros at the top of the charts. However, after his shocking exit last night he is in danger of being displaced from his position. With 2nd seed Daniil Medvedev knocked out in straight sets in the fourth round, we could see a new entrant into the Top 2.

WATCH THIS STORY: Novak Djokovic’s epic finals against Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Andy Murray, Wilfried Tsonga at the Australian Open

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German Alexander Zverev made his way into the semi-finals beating young star Carlos Alcaraz in four sets. The 25-year old could become the World No. 1 if he wins his maiden Grand Slam this week in Paris. However, with a 13-time champion Nadal in the next round, the odds will be stacked against the Olympic gold medalist.