John McEnroe believes Novak Djokovic has already displayed more mental strength than he did when young challengers began to ask questions.
The former World No. 1 was a top player in the men’s game in the mid-1980s but he conceded he didn’t have the mental strength and willpower to go toe to toe with the next generation of that time.
The American praised 24-time Grand Slam champion for dominating the men’s game for a long period and noticed that Jannik Sinner may have found the key to usurp Djokovic’s supreme reign.
“I have to hand it to Novak playing these young guys and wanting to take them on,” McEnroe told Eurosport.
“I have to be honest when I played (Pete) Sampras and (Andre) Agassi, it made me want to retire! These guys were just too good.
“Novak has had a different approach, but there is no doubt Sinner has shown he can be beaten.
“It was a controlled aggression. He was going after him in this match, but he had some safety in his game as well, so I credit him for that.
“I think he showed more than anything his mental toughness. He was that close to winning it (in the third set) against a guy who has won it ten times.
“Novak had the crowd fired up, but he stepped right up in the next set as if it hadn’t even happened, as if he had won the tie-breaker. I was super impressed that he pulled it together so quickly.”
Tim Henman also outlined Sinner’s resolve and mental strength as he showered praise on Italian’s remarkable triumph.
“Even more satisfying is when he [Sinner] had match point in the third set and he did, by his own admission, get a little bit tight on the forehand,” said the former British No. 1.
“You think, wow, having lost to Djokovic with a two-set lead at Wimbledon, is history going to repeat itself? He’s a better player; he’s more mature.
“He’s beaten Djokovic, and he didn’t panic. He’s talked so much about the process and the way he’s been playing. He was hitting his spots and dictating from the back of the court. It didn’t go his way at the end of the third set, but no panic, and a phenomenal effort and achievement.
“I love the way he reacted after winning; there was no massive, wild celebration because he views this as part of the journey. He’s through to the final but he wants to win his first Slam.”