Australian Open: John McEnroe outlines the 'key' to beating 'human backboard' Novak Djokovic in Melbourne

There are arguably few harder things in the world of sport at the moment than beating Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.

The Serbian is going for a record-extending 11th crown in Melbourne and you would be brave to bet against him achieving just that come Sunday inside the iconic Rod Laver Arena, especially the way he has grown into the 2024 tournament.

He lost a set in each of the first two rounds but a dominant victory over highly rated prospect Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who knocked out Andy Murray, was him back to his best.

There are plenty challengers lying in wait, including some who have already notched notable scalps over him in the past, but there’s something about this venue and the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

So, what does someone have to do to dethrone Djokovic? It’s all about one thing, says John McEnroe.

“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.”

On paper, Carlos Alcaraz is Djokovic’s closest rival. The Spaniard is second in the world rankings and forged the potential beginnings of an intriguing rivalry in 2023.

The pair were involved in one of the all-time classic Wimbledon finals last year and it was Alcaraz who prevailed in a deciding set.

However, Djokovic ended the year in style, beating Alcaraz twice, winning the US Open and wrapping up the year-end world No. 1 slot.

It wasn’t all plain sailing, though. A new challenger emerged in the form of Jannik Sinner, who got the better of Djokovic in the group phase of the ATP Tour Finals and in the Davis Cup as Italy clinched a first title in 46 years.

Coming into the first Grand Slam of the year, many were tipping Sinner as the most likely to trouble Djokovic.

The 21-year-old is yet to drop a set on his run to the semi-finals and a showdown with Djokovic, and McEnroe said he will need to vary his attack if he wants to make a first Grand Slam final.

“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.”