Former world No. 1 Jimmy Connors criticized
Novak Djokovic's statements following his defeat in the Wimbledon final against
Carlos Alcaraz. The American said he hopes Nole is using reverse psychology
with his young rivals after admitting: “I’m going to have to play much better”
to beat them.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion lost for the
second consecutive year to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. If in 2023 the match
was decided in a tight 5-set duel, this time the Spaniard finished the match in
just two and a half hours, winning 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4).
“Maybe it’s reverse psychology” – Jimmy Connors
Despite Djokovic having a good tournament at
SW19, the final ended in a disappointing defeat, extending a title-less year so
far for the Serbian, who also lost the No. 1 ranking several months ago to
Sinner. Nole is the player defending the most points in the second half of the
year, with over 5,000 points, and could continue to drop in the rankings.
After falling in the final to Alcaraz, Djokovic
commented: “Being able to reach the final of Wimbledon gives a great confidence
boost. But I also feel like in a matchup against the best player in the world
right now for sure, other than Jannik, both of them are the best this year by
far, I feel like I’m not at that level.”
“In order to really have a chance to, I guess,
beat these guys in Grand Slam latter stages or Olympics, I’m going to have to
play much better than I did and feel much better than I did,” the 7-time
Wimbledon champion added. “I’m going to work on it. It’s not something I
haven’t experienced before ever in my life. I’ve had so many different
experiences throughout my career. In the face of adversity, normally I rise and
I learn and get stronger.”
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz at 2023 Wimbledon.
The 8-time Grand Slam champion Jimmy Connors
responded with surprise to Djokovic's comments, “Man, I would never admit that.
That’s just me,” he said on the Advantage Connors podcast. “I would think that,
from the inside of me I’d be saying I’m gonna do everything to try and stay up
there and compete with them. And to be as good as I could to match them as
opposed to saying I am not on their level.”
“Sometimes, we always talk about confidence and
the mental aspect of this, you don’t want everyone to go in feeling defeated,”
Connors added. “And against a Sinner or an Alcaraz, to say well I’m not on your
level, maybe it’s reverse psychology that he’s throwing out there that, then if
I win, I’m superhuman!”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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