US tennis icon reveals his doubts over Novak Djokovic’s chances at this year’s US Open

With the 2025 US Open just around the corner, Novak Djokovic’s decision to skip key warm-up tournaments has sparked debate in the tennis world. Among those questioning the move is American legend Jimmy Connors, who has openly expressed doubts about the Serbian great’s preparation for the season’s final Grand Slam.

Novak Djokovic skips Cincinnati and Toronto warm-ups

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, last lifted a major trophy at the 2023 US Open after defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final. Since then, the 38-year-old has faced stiff competition from the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have collectively dominated the last seven Grand Slam events.

Despite failing to reach a Grand Slam final this season, Novak Djokovic has shown consistency, advancing to the semi-finals at the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. However, his decision to withdraw from both the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open—traditionally crucial tune-up events—has raised eyebrows.

Connors questions the long break

On his Advantage Connors podcast, Jimmy Connors didn’t hold back in voicing his concerns:

“You can’t count him out. The only thing that is worrying me is that I wish he would go to Cincinnati just go and play two or three matches. That is the only thing that worries me—that he left Wimbledon in the semis, which was a pretty good result, but he didn’t play in that match like he wanted to and lost in three straight. Then to take two and a half months off… But you never know!”

Connors noted that extended breaks have hurt Djokovic before. In 2024, after winning gold at the Paris Olympics, Novak Djokovic skipped Toronto and Cincinnati, only to suffer a shock third-round loss to Alexei Popyrin at the US Open—his earliest exit at the tournament since 2017.

Ranking drop adds to the pressure

Adding to the intrigue, Djokovic recently slipped to World No.7 in the ATP rankings, overtaken by American star Ben Shelton, who claimed the Canadian Open title for the biggest victory of his career. Shelton’s rise to World No.6 marks a career-high, while Novak Djokovic faces the challenge of returning to peak form against a younger, hungrier field.

As the countdown to the US Open continues, all eyes will be on whether Djokovic’s gamble to rest rather than compete will pay off—or if Connors’ concerns will prove prophetic.