McEnroe links Djokovic to Tiger's troubles

John McEnroe says he sees similarities between Tiger Woods's high-profile meltdown and the recent struggles plaguing Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic has suffered a severe decline in form over the past 12 months, dropping from World No.1 to No.4.

This time last year the Serb held all four grand slam trophies, but hasn't managed to win much since.

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And according to controversial American tennis great McEnroe, Djokovic's woes could be along the same lines as Woods's infamous off-field troubles.

"The person that comes to mind with Novak is Tiger," McEnroe said.

"He had issues and seemed to go off the rails."

McEnroe told the BBC Djokovic had admitted "off-court issues with the family".

"That’s going to throw you. If you’re distracted, you’re not the same player.

"The person that comes to mind immediately with Novak is golfer Tiger Woods.

"He had the issues with his wife, he seemed to go completely off the rails and has never been even close to the same player.

"So we’re starting to say, 'Wait a minute, is this possible with him?'

"This isn’t a physical thing, this is a mental thing. There are definitely some issues."

Djokovic and wife Jelena have been together since 2005 and married in 2014. They are expecting their second child in coming weeks.

Woods suffered an infamous fall from grace in 2009 when he admitted bedding up to 120 women during his six-year marriage to Elin Nordegren.

His subsequent decline in form saw him never get back to the golfer he once was.

Another tennis great has compared Djokovic to much-maligned Aussie Bernard Tomic, with Mats Wilander praising Tomic for his honesty in admitting he had lost all interest in tennis.

"We need more honesty out there, but it is hard when you see what the media does to someone who is trying to be honest," he said.

"Are you saying that Andy Murray was not emotionally flat for some of this year? And I think it is exactly how Novak Djokovic was at the French Open.

"Everybody gets bored or rather emotionally flat sometimes, but most players are not so honest as Tomic. They have sponsors that need to be happy, and they want to keep the Tour happy.

McEnroe's comments about Djokovic come a week after he caused a stir by saying Serena Williams would only be ranked No.700 in the world if she played on the men's tour.

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