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American tennis legend Jimmy Connors has described the significance of Novak Djokovic on the ATP Tour, even at the age of 38, amid the dominance of Carlos and Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Sinner and Alcaraz have the best performers on the tour, which can be seen through the fact that they have won each of the last eight Grand Slams.
Even a veteran 24-time Grand Slam champion like Djokovic has found it tough to stop the dominant duo. The Serbian player has struggled in his matches against the Spanish and the Italian, be it due to his tiring age or injuries.
Despite this, eight-time Grand Slam champion Connors has a different take on Djokovic's presence on the tour. Connors believes that the rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz needs Djokovic, much like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer needed back in the day. Connors said (via Advantage Connors);
"It's interesting because there's only two guys that are on a different level from him still. It is crazy, and so the young guys are going to have to step it up, and I say that with utmost respect, because if not, you're just going to have an Alcaraz-Sinner, Alcaraz-Sinner, Alcaraz-Sinner, you know, basically you've had that for the last eight Slams."
"Federer-Nadal, all of a sudden, had Djoker and then Murray. They had some in and out who made it a little more exciting, but they need somebody to come in or be a part of that."
Novak Djokovic faced losses against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in his last Grand Slam outings. While the Serbian was defeated by Sinner at the Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Alcaraz defeated the 24-time Grand Slam champion at the US Open.
Novak Djokovic on his aging body
Novak Djokovic expressed concerns on his aging body following a semifinal defeat against Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open 2025. The Spanish player dominated over Djokovic and won in straight sets.
Djokovic said that he was very serious and concerned about his body at the age of 38, even though he took immense care of it. He said:
"Honestly, I am concerned. You know, nowadays [I am] more concerned than I have ever been. Even though I really am meticulous with the care for my body and I put in a lot of hours on and off the court to make sure that my body is fit and recovered well."
During the conversation, Novak Djokovic also noted that he had to change his method of training and approached the match due to concerns with his body.
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