John McEnroe has said that tennis is not a popularity contest. He was speaking about Novak Djokovic greatness, while asserting that tennis “is not a popularity contest”.
The seven-time major champion believes players are judged by their achievements, and said “you can’t not respect” the Serbian for what he has accomplished.
World No. 1 Djokovic won a sixth Wimbledon title by defeating Matteo Berrettini in the final of The Championships last week.
The triumph saw the 34-year-old equal rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on a men’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles.
“Grand Slam tennis is not a popularity contest. Being that guy everyone loves, the one everyone wants to win, does not get you the ‘W’. And that’s what it’s all about,” the American said ahead of the Wimbledon final.