**Novak Djokovic Responds to John McEnroe’s Doubt as Wimbledon Campaign Begins**
Novak Djokovic has kicked off his Wimbledon journey this year, returning to the All England Club with hopes of yet another deep run. Now regarded as one of the most seasoned figures in the men’s game, the 38-year-old Serbian star continues to defy expectations as a new wave of talent—including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner—emerges at the pinnacle of tennis. Yet, Djokovic’s seasoned prowess, particularly on grass, keeps him firmly in contention as he faces French player Alexandre Muller on Centre Court this afternoon.
Despite his sustained success, Djokovic’s route back to the iconic grass courts of SW19 has been anything but smooth. Last year, his preparation was complicated by a serious knee injury that forced him to withdraw from the French Open during the quarter-finals. After undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus, many expected Djokovic to take a prolonged recovery. Instead, he returned to Wimbledon just four weeks later, in a move that reportedly surprised even his closest confidante—his wife, Jelena.
When questioned about his swift return by FOX News, Djokovic admitted he struggled to articulate his decision, saying his wife was equally perplexed. “You’re 37 years old, you want to maybe take fewer risks and prepare for the Olympic Games? I don’t have a concrete answer,” he confessed. However, Djokovic highlighted the irresistible allure of Wimbledon in shaping his choice, underlining that the thought of missing out on his childhood dream tournament was simply inconceivable to him. “It wasn’t about fear of missing out—it’s just a deep passion to play and compete, especially here at Wimbledon.”
Physical challenges have continued to shadow Djokovic into the new season. At the Australian Open earlier this year, he picked up a muscle tear during his quarter-final match against Alcaraz, leaving him visibly struggling on court. Commentators and fans scrutinised the situation, but among the critics was tennis legend John McEnroe, who suggested Djokovic might be exaggerating his injury and told viewers, “Don’t be fooled,” during the match coverage.
McEnroe’s remarks touched a nerve, particularly given the subsequent proof of Djokovic’s injury—a public MRI scan—showing the severity of the damage. After withdrawing from his semi-final clash against Alexander Zverev, Djokovic took to social media to challenge the sceptics, stating, “Thought I’d leave this here for all the sports injury ‘experts’ out there,” while including the medical evidence of his injury.
Addressing the controversy ahead of the Qatar Open, Djokovic clarified his position, directly referencing the scrutiny from high-profile figures like McEnroe. He explained that while doubt from general fans might be expected, hearing such suspicion from legends of the sport, who influence millions with their commentary, compelled him to respond. He said, “I felt the need to react, to show the MRI scan, because when these opinions come from respected voices, they can damage the integrity and credibility I’ve built over many years.”
Djokovic expressed frustration at the narrative that he might feign injury for strategic advantage, asserting that most such accusations remained unchallenged until they were echoed by established figures in tennis. He pointed out, “If it’s just online chatter, you can ignore it. But when respected commentators question your honesty on such a big platform, it crosses a line.”
Despite the distractions both on and off the court, Djokovic remains laser-focused on the challenge ahead. With his robust track record at Wimbledon and the determination fuelled by both past triumphs and recent controversies, the Serbian icon is resolute in pursuing further success at the Grand Slam.
As the chase for the coveted trophy unfolds, the tennis world will be watching not only the dynamic young stars, but also how one of the sport’s most enduring champions copes with the pressure—both from his rivals and from those in the sport’s wider community whose words carry significant weight. The drama between Djokovic and McEnroe adds an extra layer to the ongoing narrative of Wimbledon 2025, ensuring that all eyes remain glued to Centre Court this week.