John McEnroe has listed self-belief as the first step for any player who wants to beat Novak Djokovic.
The former World No. 1 said that it would be a huge mental task for any player to convince themselves that they can outwork Djokovic in best of five sets clash. The 24-time Grand Slam has overcome the slow start he made at the Australian Open and has reestablished his position to secure a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne.
ESPN tennis commentator and presenter, John McEnroe is among those who have faith in Djokovic’s game and feel that he has the inside lane en route to the final.
“Novak is playing incredible tennis. The key for anyone to beat him, including Sinner, is do they deep down in the heart of hearts have the belief that they can beat Novak,” McEnroe told Eurosport.
“This is a mental game when you’re out there on your own. This is a physical game, yes, and you have your coach on the sidelines, but this is about believing and executing your game plan and thinking you can beat that one person on the other side of the court.
“That is one very tough thing as Djokovic is like a human backboard and knows how to manage himself when necessary, knows how to pace himself.
“He’s got everything. He’s got every trick in the book. And he’s got no weaknesses. It’s an incredibly tall order to beat him in a best of five sets match.
“That’s why Djokovic can, and probably will win it again here.”
The American believes Jannik Sinner is the player most likely to edge out Djokovic because of the fact that he is entering the season-opening Slam on the back of the big wins against the 36-year-old from the late last season.
“I think Sinner is in the best position ever to do it. Obviously he’s worked hard on improving other aspects of his game,” McEnroe added.
“Putting more on his serve, bringing his back foot up a little bit and getting more pop off it. Trying to be a little bit more unpredictable which he’ll need to do.
“He goes big off the ground and he will need to be willing to come to the net on some tight points. It will be interesting to see if he’s ready to do that yet.”
Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev has Carlos Alcaraz in four sets to set another spicy clash with World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev. The #6 seed German will and face Medvedev for 19th time in Australian Open semis while Djokovic and Sinner will appear in the second semifinal.