"He seems to always find a way": Jimmy Connors says don't count Novak Djokovic out after Jannik Sinner Australian Open defeat
ATP
Former
world No. 1 Jimmy Connors gave his verdict after Novak Djokovic's defeat to
Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open. The American praised players like Sinner
and Daniil Medvedev for taking the reins after the Big-3, although he warned
that Djokovic should not be ruled out for the future.
The Italian
ended Djokovic's streak of 33 consecutive victories in Melbourne and secured
his first Grand Slam.
Connors' take on Djokovic and the young stars
The 8-times
Grand Slam champion spoke in the latest episode of his podcast Advantage
Connors about the changing era in tennis. The American emphasized that 'Nole'
still has a lot to offer and will be seeking titles in the upcoming Grand
Slams:
“What I
like about Medvedev and I like about Sinner – seems like these young guys now
are starting to step up. I know [Roger] Federer is gone and [Rafael] Nadal has
reached another rough patch, he’s gotten injured again – and what the future
holds for him, you don’t know,” the American said.
“But
‘Djoker’ still being around and still trying to set records and put his
reputation on the line and everything, it seems these young guys are saying now
that, ‘Hey, maybe it is our turn.’ And you know, Federer is gone and Nadal is
hurt, but ‘Djoker’ is still in there grinding.
“But on the
other hand, don’t count him out, because he seems to always find a way to find
something to inspire him, to motivate him. You know, to get him back on his
game, to get him back on track. So, he’s got those few years on him and that
happens to everybody.
“I’m not
saying that’s a bad thing. I’m saying he’ll find a way to use whatever he can
to get back on track and to win a French or win a Wimbledon or a US Open before
this year’s out.
“So all
this does is set up another good rivalry in tennis (between Djokovic and
Sinner) – and it’s needed. It’s needed, the old and the young. Who’s gonna come
out on top? This time Sinner did, what’s gonna happen next time? Can’t wait to
see that,” Connors added.
A final without the Big-3
Connors
highlighted the significance of witnessing a Grand Slam final without any
member of the Big-3, affirming that the younger generation has solidified its
presence in the tennis landscape:
“It was a
different final, to not have a Federer or a Nadal or a Djokovic in the final of
a Grand Slam,” Connors noted.
“Obviously,
they’ve ruled the Grand Slams the last 15 years between the three of them and
to have a final where neither one of those three were there just created a
little more interest and got some other people watching. Tennis needs that
also.
“They
(fans) love their champions and they love the winners and those who have set
the records and all that. But they also wanna know, when those guys are gone,
who is gonna take their place? And I think they’re seeing that now. They’ve had
a good view of the young guys coming up.”
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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