Jimmy Connors compares Novak Djokovic to Muhammad Ali, Joe Montana and Wayne Gretzky: “Win or lose, he’s not afraid to put it on the line”
ATP
Novak Djokovic won his 22nd Grand Slam title at the
Australian Open, and former world No. 1 Jimmy Connors added to the praise for
the Serb.
Nole arrived at the first major of the year with the
task of equaling Rafael Nadal as the male tennis player with most Grand Slam's
championships. And despite an injury, he displayed dominant play to reach his
10th Aussie Open title, against the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Connors commented about Djokovic on the Advantage
Connors podcast: "I want
to say this, the guy's one f**king great tennis player, right? He is not afraid
to go out there and play the game, his game. Win or lose. He's not afraid to
put it on the line. He knows he's got a bullseye on his back. Even more now."
In this sense, the 8-time
Grand Slam champion, (including Australian Open 1974) compared the Serb with
various icons of other sports:
"Every great
player, they'll find something that pushes them to the limit. That's what
drives guys like Joe Montana, Wayne Gretzky, Pete Rose and Muhammad Ali. They
always find something to dig down deeper to push them over the top to where
they can continue to give it their all.
He also highlighted his
ability to play against opponents much younger than him:
"He's not afraid
against all these young guys, who had some pretty good tournaments. But he's
not afraid of that. He plays the game, he's not afraid to mix it up. He is not
afraid to take the ball early, he's not afraid to get 20 balls to a point. He's
not afraid to figure out a way to win. And, and, you know, to me, I like seeing
that.”
The American also gave
his opinion on the Big-3 rivalry and the discussion about who is the GOAT:
"Rivalries are so
great. That's why people show up to watch the game, watch the match, and watch
the excitement. Sometimes you got to find a reason, find a reason to dig deeper
and come out on top and win. So what is that? Where do you find that? What do
you dig into to go down into your guts? Sometimes you got to find something
that just burns you to the ground to come out on top.” Opine Connors.
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.
claps 7visitors 6
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
