John McEnroe invites controversy at Australian Open after making his feelings known on Novak Djokovic's MTO vs Carlos Alcaraz

John McEnroe's commentary during the Novak Djokovic vs. Carlos Alcaraz Australian Open quarterfinal has sparked a heated debate among fans. The American's remark suggesting that Djokovic's use of a medical timeout (MTO) is "routine" has seen some supporting him for his candidness while others criticized him for questioning the Serb's sportsmanship.

On Tuesday, January 21, Alcaraz and Djokovic faced off in their highly anticipated quarterfinal at the 2025 Australian Open. In the first set, Alcaraz led by a break 5-4 and was set to serve for the match when the Serb called for an MTO.

According to American tennis legend McEnroe, the MTO is part of a "routine" for the 24-time Grand Slam champion and no one should be "fooled" by it. His comments were posted on X and it prompted mixed reactions from fans.

Many expressed frustration and disbelief, dismissing the idea that Djokovic would feign an injury during critical moments of the match as illogical.

"Yeah really smart for Djokovic to “pretend” to have worse movement in the most crucial parts of this match just to “fool” everyone. Makes no sense, John," one fan wrote.

"You're really pathetic, anyone who thinks he's faking it," another fan wrote.

"Yeah really smart for Djokovic to “pretend” to have worse movement in the most crucial parts of this match just to “fool” everyone," a third fan wrote.

Some fans praised McEnroe for his straightforwardness, applauding his willingness to call things as he saw them.

"Thank you John for having the guts to speak the truth 🫡" a fan wrote.

"Beware the walking dead crowd now John...the Noletards are coming..." another fan wrote.

"No lies detected," yet another fan wrote.

The MTO did not stop Alcaraz as he bagged the set 6-4. Djokovic, however, turned the game on its head breaking Alcaraz multiple times to win the next three sets and the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.

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John McEnroe on Novak Djokovic’s quest for 25 Grand Slam titles: "He’s just trying to set records that won’t be surpassed"

John McEnroe and Novak Djokovic at the 2024 US Open - Source: Getty

As Novak Djokovic prepared for his highly anticipated quarterfinal clash at the Australian Open against Carlos Alcaraz, American tennis legend John McEnroe shared his thoughts on the Serb's relentless pursuit of greatness. Highlighting Djokovic’s hunger for records, John McEnroe said (via Tennis365):

"What he wants is to get to 25, I don’t think he cares how he does it."

He emphasized that Djokovic’s focus is on cementing a legacy that will stand the test of time.

"He’s just trying to set records that won’t be surpassed," McEnroe added. "I don’t see how any male players are going to break his records for a long time."

With 24 Majors already under his belt, Djokovic is edging closer to an unprecedented milestone. He will now take on Alexander Zverev in the semifinal in Melbourne.