Jimmy Connors lauds Novak Djokovic for creating an impact even at the age of 36 while youngsters Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas earn harsh words

Novak Djokovic has reached the finals of all three Grand Slams so far and has also won two of them.

Jimmy Connors lauds Novak Djokovic for creating an impact even at the age of 36 while youngsters Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas earn harsh words

Novak Djokovic, Jimmy Connors (Images via Sky Sports, Britannica)

Former American tennis star Jimmy Connors is super impressed with Novak Djokovic as he thinks the Serbian still creates an impact and drives crowds to the stadium while young players like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev received a mouthful from the American. Connors looked unimpressed with these young players’ performance and hoped that Djokovic would continue to play till 40. 

Notably, Novak Djokovic has reached the finals of all three Grand Slams this year. In fact, he has won two of them (the Australian Open and the French Open). The Serbian also gave Carlos Alcaraz a tough competition at the Wimbledon finals. While Djokovic could not seize a win, he avenged his defeat at the Cincinnati Masters final, winning it in a three-set thriller. 

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The 36-year-old, who returned to New York after two years, has started his campaign at the 2023 US Open with a comfortable win in the first round. These consistent performances from the Serbian have impressed Connors who heaped praise on Djokovic. He said that the 36-year-old has ensured that all Grand Slams are incredible affairs. 

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“Where are Zverev and Tsitsipas? What is amazing is that it takes a 36-year-old man, Djokovic, for the show to be incredible. I hope he can play until he is 40 at this level. Djokovic helps to create interest for young players to come,” said Connors on the Advantage Connors podcast (via We Love Tennis). 

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Jimmy Connors picks Carlos Alcaraz ahead of Novak Djokovic for US Open title favorite

Novak Djokovic Carlos Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic (L) Carlos Alcaraz (R) (Image via ATP)

Although Jimmy Connors is a big Novak Djokovic fan, the American has picked Carlos Alcaraz as the title favorite at the US Open. Connors believes that while Djokovic possesses everything required to lift the title, he will go for youth. Connors said that the fitness factor will come into the picture after two weeks of gruesome battle on the court.

“It’s tough for me to bet against the Djoker just because of his experience, his heart, and everything that he can do. But after winning that match, I know he has a week off but that takes a lot out of you. And if he gets a flow, and has some easy matches I’d take him but I think I almost have to go for youth,” said Connors. 

Novak Djokovic took down Frenchman Alexander Muller in his first round and will face Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the second round. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz will face Germany’s Dominik Koepfer in the first round.

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