“He’s Still the King” — Jimmy Connors Issues US Open Warning to Sinner and Alcaraz About Novak Djokovic
As the tennis world prepares for the final Grand Slam of the season, the US Open, one of the sport’s most legendary figures, Jimmy Connors, has stepped into the spotlight with a passionate message — and it’s all about Novak Djokovic.
In a recent interview on a tennis-focused podcast, the fiery American icon, an 8-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, warned rising stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz that the Serbian legend is far from done — and may in fact be more dangerous than ever.
“You don’t bet against Novak in New York — not now, not with what he’s chasing,” Connors said firmly.
The Message: “Don’t Be Fooled By His Age”
At 37 years old, many have speculated that Novak Djokovic’s reign at the top is nearing its end, especially as new-generation stars like Alcaraz and Sinner begin to make deep runs in Slams. But Connors, who played well into his late 30s and famously reached the US Open semifinals at age 39, isn’t buying that narrative.
“Age? Please,” Connors said, waving his hand. “Novak is still hungry. He’s still fitter than most 25-year-olds. And mentally? He’s ten steps ahead.”
He emphasized that Djokovic’s experience in tight moments, especially on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, will give him a huge edge over even the most promising of talents.
Djokovic’s New Motivation
Connors noted that Djokovic, who has already claimed 24 Grand Slam titles, isn’t just chasing history anymore — he’s defending his legacy in a new era. And he’s doing it with something to prove.
“Every time someone tries to write him off, he comes back stronger,” Connors added. “He’s got Alcaraz, Sinner, Rune — all of them gunning for him. But that’s exactly when Novak gets dangerous.”
Djokovic is eyeing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title and his 4th US Open crown. And according to Connors, the Serb’s unmatched ability to lock in during big moments makes him a nightmare opponent — especially under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“The crowd, the pressure, the noise — Novak eats that up,” he said.
Warning for Sinner and Alcaraz
Both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are widely regarded as the faces of the next generation. Alcaraz, 21, already defeated Djokovic in a historic Wimbledon final in 2023, while Sinner’s consistent rise and recent Grand Slam semifinal appearances have made him a serious contender.
But Connors offered a word of caution.
“These kids are great — electric, fast, brave. But they haven’t seen everything Novak has seen. And when it gets deep into the third or fourth set, the nerves kick in. That’s where Novak lives.”
He added that it’s not enough to beat Djokovic physically — you have to break him mentally, and few have ever done that.
The Final Word
As the tennis world counts down to the first ball at the US Open, Jimmy Connors’ words serve as both a warning and a reminder: Novak Djokovic is still the man to beat.
“The crown may shake, but it hasn’t fallen,” Connors concluded. “And if these kids want to take it — they better be ready for a war.”
With a potential generational clash brewing under the New York sky, fans are bracing for one of the most exciting US Opens in recent memory — but if Jimmy Connors is right, the king of the court may not be ready to hand over the throne just yet.
