Andy Murray’s best chance of stopping tennis titan Novak Djokovic is Wimbledon 2016
Legends Chris Evert and John McEnroe believes Ivan Lendl's return to Team Murray will help him topple World no1
WIMBLEDON will be Andy Murray’s best chance of halting the Novak Djokovic juggernaut.
That is the view of legends Chris Evert and John McEnroe, who believe Murray’s reunion with Ivan Lendl is also a big boost to his hopes of regaining the title he won in 2013.
But McEnroe warns that even with Lendl, the crowd and the surface on his side at SW19, Murray faces a huge task to stop Djokovic (right) completing the third leg of a “monumental” calendar-year Grand Slam.
McEnroe, speaking on behalf of ESPN.co.uk, said: “It’s Murray’s best chance — in terms of surface, he’s best suited, and having the crowd more on his side here at Wimbledon.
“Him adding Ivan, he’s trying to get that little bit extra, just like other players are trying to do.
“Murray is playing great. But there’s no question the level Novak is at is something that you rarely, if ever, see — that consistency.”
ESPN colleague Evert said of the Lendl reunion: “It’s a great combination because Lendl’s strengths are Murray’s weaknesses. Lendl, mentally and emotionally, managed himself so well on the court.
“With Andy, that’s been sort of his downfall in the past, he’s gotten so emotional in these matches.
“It was noticeably different when Lendl was coaching him. He seemed to have himself under control more.
“It’s a great fit. I’m happy they’re working together. Again, that’s the best scenario for Andy Murray right now, to have him in his corner.
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“With him playing at Wimbledon, playing some of the best tennis of his life and with Lendl back, it’s all looking good. If that’s good enough to win it, the tournament, so be it. But is that enough? That’s the big question. Djokovic is playing great.”
But it is a different story with Wimbledon’s other defending champion, Serena Williams.
The American has not added to the 21st Grand Slam title she won at SW19 last year, missing out on her own calendar-year Slam by losing in the US Open semi-final and then finishing as runner-up in both Australia and France.
Evert believes the pressure of trying to equal Steffi Graf’s Open Era record of 22 Slam singles titles is getting to Williams — and her aura of invincibility has gone.
Evert, herself an 18-time Major winner, said: “It has gotten to her a bit nerve-wise, no doubt.
“In the last three Grand Slams, she hasn’t managed to get into that next gear when she’s in trouble.
“As Serena loses more, she becomes less untouchable. I believe she can still get that one to tie with Steffi. Wimbledon is her best shot.”