John McEnroe picks sides between Novak Djokovic and French Open followers

French Open followers have been making themselves heard this week, with Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz among those who have been booed. And Djokovic joined the listing throughout his third-round match on Friday as he was jeered whereas receiving a therapeutic massage from the coach.

The world No 3 responded by sarcastically clapping and giving a thumbs up and later voiced his frustration with the spectators. And McEnroe has sided with the 22-time Major champion as he confirmed assist for the Serb’s response to their booing.

“Why do they boo?” the seven-time Grand Slam winner stated on Eurosport, noting that Djokovic’s opponent wasn’t even on the court docket. Addressing the 36-year-old’s medical trip, he added: “Everyone does it.

“It’s totally legal, you’re allowed to work and rub his legs! Where’s Davidovich Fokina? He’s off to the bathroom. I totally get his reaction. Are you kidding me? Are you going to boo for this? The other guy’s not even on the court!

“Change the rules if you don’t want to let a guy get worked on, but don’t start doing that. It’s absurd!” McEnroe additionally stated it was nothing new for Djokovic, who additionally had some bother with sure followers giving him trouble at January’s Australian Open.

“Let’s be real. That’s what he’s been battling his whole career; inspiring and pushing him. It ends up that it actually helped him, in a weird way,” the American stated. “So as an athlete, if you had a choice between love or respect, you’d love to have both. You’d rather have respect.”