Djokovic urged by Connors not to be discouraged by bad form or injury problems: "He's been around long enough and he's won everything"

Despite not being at his best over the past few weeks, World No.1 Novak Djokovic has been encouraged to remain positive by retired American tennis star Jimmy Connors.

Djokovic lost in the quarterfinals to compatriot Dusan Lajovic in the quarterfinals of the Srpska Open a few weeks ago, before pulling out of the subsequent Madrid Open due to injury. Although the nature of the injury has not been disclosed, the Serbian is expected to return to action at the Rome Masters event.

Former World No.1 Connors chimed in on Djokovic's current situation, stating the 22-Grand Slam champion has enough experience to not be discouraged during this period of time.

"I keep using the word discourage because if you ever get discouraged and down on yourselves, then that's kind of tough sometimes to break out of," said Connors on an episode of the "Advantage Connors" podcast. "Not getting discouraged is a big thing. And he's [Novak Djokovic] been around long enough and he’s won everything.

“Let's face it, he's got 22 Grand Slams, so he knows what it's like to be in all those situations. He just got to be prepared everywhere else to face that. So I don't think I'm too worried about that.”

Connors added Djokovic will be looking forward to a return at the French Open, as the Serbian resumes his bid to add another Grand Slam title to his already impressive tally.

"He went in there and he got a couple of matches," said the 70-year old. "That's also a confidence thing too. He hasn't played enough and he wants the matches, not only for the reps and being under pressure and all that but, you know, winning breeds success.

“If he even goes in and he says, ‘Well, I got everything out of that that I wanted to. I didn't win, but I should have got a lot out of this, which was good stuff.’ Then it's gonna work in his favor."