‘Don’t Take Anything Personal’: Novak Djokovic Did Not Like Being Compared to Tiger Woods and Sounded Off on John McEnroe’s Assessment in 2017

Tiger Woods has been widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time if not the greatest. Though he mastered life on the course, Woods did have some struggles in his life. Similar to the golfer, Tennis star, Novak Djokovic, too had some personal issues in 2017, which led to a massive change in his coaching team. American tennis legend, John McEnroe, then shared the similarities between both stars, which was later dismissed by the Serbian.

Tiger has had one of the greatest professional careers an athlete could hope for. However, in 2009, his reputation was hit hard, when his alleged scandal became public. It was a tough time for the golfer.

Unlike Tiger’s struggles off the sport, Djokovic had issues in his game during the 2017 season. The year saw the Serbian tennis star go winless at all 4 Grand Slams, which led to him shocking the tennis world by changing his coaching team. Following the decision, 7-time Grand Slam winner and current commentator, McEnroe had some words for Novak.

How did McEnroe compare Tiger Woods to Novak Djokovic’s struggles?

At the 2017 Wimbledon, Djokovic was prepping to compete at his first Grand Slam with his new coach by his side Andre Agassi, whom he hired a month early in May. However, considering his continuous struggles on the court, McEnroe felt the 35-year-old had ongoing some issues with his family, similar to that of Woods.

The American tennis legend said, “The person that comes to mind immediately with Novak is not a tennis player, it’s actually a golfer: Tiger Woods”. McEnroe further added, “… [Woods] had the issues with his wife, and then he seemed to go completely off the rails and has never been even close to being the same player. So we’re starting to say: ‘Wait a minute, is this possible with [Djokovic]?”

Djokovic was then asked about the Tennis legend’s comments and shared his reaction. He said, “Yeah, I have heard about it today. Look, you know, John has a complete right to say—anybody, really, in the world—has a right to say what they want, and I respect that right”.

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The former world number one further added how McEnroe has the right to say anything he was since he has earned the right with his illustrious professional career. However, Djokovic then points out at the Tennis legend’s bold personality and notable outbursts while competing on the court.

Novak said, “He’s very well-known for his kind of bold comments and not really caring too much about being politically correct, but saying whatever is on his mind. That’s all I can say. I really don’t take anything personal.”

Djokovic made sure he had no personal issues with the American legend. But McEnroe did state, that both Woods and Djokovic would never reach the same level of talent that they once held after their issues. How did that unfold?

Woods and Djokovic’s return to glory

Following the back and forth with McEnroe, Djokovic then continued with his devoted career to the sport of tennis. With the change in his coaching staff, there was a massive change from the 2018 season onwards.

The Serbian was back to his winning ways, as he has claimed 9 Grand Slams since his poor 2017 season. As far as Tiger Woods is concerned, he had his first PGA Tour win since 2013, a year later in 2018. Moreover, he defied the odds when he claimed the 2019 Masters.

John McEnroe is known for his bold personality. Being a tennis commentator at times he does give a prediction to his fans. Nonetheless, when it came to predicting the careers of Tiger and Novak, the American tennis legend did fail to some extent.

What are your thoughts on McEnroe’s comments? Let us know in the comments section below.

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