Former world No. 1 Jimmy Connors made headlines this week with a strong take on Novak Djokovic’s role in today’s tennis landscape. On the latest episode of his Spotify podcast, “Advantage Connors,” Connors shared unfiltered thoughts on how younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are using Djokovic as a stepping stone to build their careers.
He didn’t hold back when talking to his son and co-host, Brett Connors. According to Jimmy, “These young guys coming up, they wanna use you, the older guy, which is now Djokovic, as their stepping stone to make their career.”
Jimmy Connors Says Age Plays a Key Role
Connors zeroed in on age as a major factor in modern tennis. He said, “You can’t beat age, you can’t beat it. When you get older, your competition is younger, and when they come in, they wanna make their name like Sinner and Alcaraz.”
He made it clear that younger players are eager to prove themselves by beating legends.
“To beat Novak, I don’t care if he’s 38 or not, to beat him and to be able to tell your kids ‘Hey, I beat Djokovic,’ that’s big,” Connors said.
Djokovic, born in 1987, turned 38 this year but is still competing at the highest level. At the 2025 French Open, he lost in the semifinals to 23-year-old Jannik Sinner. Sinner earned major praise not just for his win, but for taking down a three-time French Open champion on the big stage.
Connors on Djokovic’s Future and Grand Slam Chances
During the podcast, Brett asked his dad about what’s next for Djokovic with Wimbledon around the corner. Should Djokovic still be considered a real threat to win another Slam?
“Sure. Well, why not?” Connors said. “His success on all the Grand Slams, courts and surfaces has been pretty amazing, let’s face it. And going in, I’m sure he would’ve loved to get to the final and beaten Sinner and have that confidence kinda flowing to his game.”
Novak Djokovic receives a standing ovation from the crowd after his loss to Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros.
He stops and puts his arms up.
The crowd gives him so much love. ❤️
So much respect for this legend. 🥹
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 6, 2025
Connors also touched on how long, physical matches at this stage of Djokovic’s career could be more draining.
“You don’t wanna fight fatigue in the quarterfinals or semifinals. You wanna play your best and keep the roll going—like 6-4 in the fifth set or 7-5 in the fourth.”
Connors’ take drives home a hard truth in professional tennis: age catches up with everyone, even legends. With players like Alcaraz and Sinner now taking over at major tournaments, Djokovic finds himself in a different kind of battle—one against time.
As Connors put it, “you can’t beat age,” and that reality is starting to shape the future of men’s tennis.
