Jimmy Connors feels Novak Djokovic is “not quite playing at the standard” but refuses to rule him out yet
With Novak Djokovic struggling to win titles on the ATP Tour, Jimmy Connors feels that the Serbian is not playing at his usual level.
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Novak Djokovic, Jimmy Connors (Images via X, The Today Show)
It has not been the best of years for Novak Djokovic. Although the Serbian won the only missing title in his cabinet – an Olympic gold medal – he has not been able to win any other title this season. Jimmy Connors opined that Djokovic has been struggling because he is not playing to his usual standards.
Connors said that Djokovic has not been able to play like his usual self, which has led to his opponents gaining confidence. However, the American great was quick to share his admiration for Djokovic, lauding the Serbian for his aggressive return.
He’s (Djokovic) not quite playing at the standard that they’re used to seeing so that gives them a little confidence too. But I also got to say that he’s got the kind of game that I like. Steps into the ball, takes it a little bit early. He’s got a good return, aggressive return.
Jimmy Connors said on the Advantage Connors podcast
Djokovic came close to winning a title on the ATP Tour two times this year when he reached the finals at Wimbledon and the Shanghai Masters. However, he was pitted against two of the most dominant players on the tour currently – Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Djokovic lost to Alcaraz at Wimbledon and to Sinner in Shanghai.
Jimmy Connors likens Novak Djokovic to Rafael Nadal
After talking about Novak Djokovic‘s struggles this season, Jimmy Connors also heaped praise on the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Connors said that although Djokovic is struggling to play like his usual self, he cannot be counted out.
The former World No. 1 also drew parallels between Djokovic and his arch-rival Rafael Nadal. Connors claimed that like Nadal, Djokovic will not go out on the court unless he feels ready to play.
And also, I’m not counting him out ever. He’s got guts. He’s got the game. He’s got the intensity. He’s in shape. He’s like Nadal. He’s not going to go out there unless he is ready to play.
Jimmy Connors said
Djokovic has been quite picky about the tournaments he played this season. The Serbian started his season with the United Cup and then moved to Melbourne to defend his Australian Open crown, which he couldn’t. He then played at the Indian Wells but missed the Miami Open.
The 37-year-old took part in the Masters tournaments in Rome and Monte Carlo before moving to Paris for the Roland Garros. missed out on action due to injuries but came back to play at the Championships. Djokovic then clinched gold at the Olympics and took a small break before returning to action at the US Open.
After that, Djokovic has played in only one tournament – the Shanghai Masters. The Serbian has recently decided against defending his crown at the Paris Masters.
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Ritesh Pathak
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