John McEnroe made comments about Novak Djokovic’s future during BBC commentary after the Serbian’s semifinal defeat to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon 2025. The 38-year-old suffered a straight-set loss that ended his quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, prompting McEnroe to question whether the seven-time Wimbledon champion would return to the grass-court Major next year.
What John McEnroe Said About Novak Djokovic’s Future
Speaking while on commentary, McEnroe delivered his assessment of Djokovic’s future at Wimbledon, saying:
“So first time, I ever looked at him and thought ‘I’m not sure if he is gonna come back’. It’s obviously a decision that is up to him, he can play for as long as he wants but I don’t know if he can accept being a notch or two below these guys and maybe someone else by the time next year comes around,” the tennis legend said.
During the semifinal, Djokovic required medical treatment from his physio after the second set, with visible strapping on his upper left leg.
It’s a maiden #Wimbledon final for Jannik Sinner 💥
The Italian defeats Novak Djokovic with a dazzling 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 victory to line up a Sunday afternoon meeting with Carlos Alcaraz 🤝
Just world No.1 doing world No.1 things 😅 pic.twitter.com/jObVzUdMqA
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2025
Djokovic managed just two service breaks in the entire match and struggled with his trademark defensive abilities. The physical issues were compounded by his ongoing stomach problems that had plagued him since the tournament’s early rounds.
Sinner’s dominant performance against Djokovic established several remarkable records. The 23-year-old Italian became only the second player after Carlos Alcaraz to defeat Djokovic at Wimbledon since 2018. This victory also marked Sinner’s fifth straight win over the Serb, making him the first player to achieve this feat in 15 years.
Players to defeat Novak Djokovic 5 times in a row:
Rafael Nadal
Jannik Sinner 🆕End of list. pic.twitter.com/Qd1Ej5U7vA
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 11, 2025
The match showcased Sinner’s complete mastery across all surfaces. By defeating Djokovic on the grass courts of Wimbledon, Sinner joined an exclusive group as the fourth player ever to beat Djokovic on clay, grass, and hard courts.
Jannik Sinner becomes the fourth player to defeat Novak Djokovic on grass, clay and hardcourt at the tour level.
He joins a very exclusive list 😳 pic.twitter.com/r6vJDPMD3C
— ESPN (@espn) July 11, 2025
Sinner’s head-to-head record against Djokovic now stands at 6-4, with the Italian having won their last five meetings, including Grand Slam semifinal victories at the 2024 Australian Open, 2025 French Open, and now Wimbledon. The victory also secured Sinner’s place in his maiden Wimbledon final, making him the 11th man in the Open Era to reach the final of all four Grand Slams.
