Jimmy Connors: Djokovic legacy prevented by turbulent final years

May 24, 2023

ATP Tennis Players, Novak Djokovic, Tennis News, Tennis Tournaments

Jimmy Connors: Novak Djokovic legacy prevented by turbulent final years

Novak Djokovic has been prevented from leaving the legacy he could have according to former Grand slam champion and tennis commentator, Jimmy Connors.

In his Podcast, ‘Advantage Connors’ which he hosts with son Brett, the eight-time grand slam champion revealed:

‘‘I’m rooting for Djoker and here’s why. I think he’s been screwed the last couple of years, big time. I’m rooting for him to come through, he’s already proven what he is, he’s got 22 Grand Slams. He’s already proven how great he is and all that, but he has been kept from even extending that legacy.’’

Although the youngest member of the original ‘Big Three’, and likely to have the longest remaining time on tour, speculation is beginning to grow and is not helped with fresh concerns on an elbow injury.

‘‘I don’t know how long he’s going to play. He may play this year and one more year and then say, ‘I’m done’. You don’t know. I’m rooting for him to get through this year and have success because of that.’’

With the first official year of Rodger Federer’s retirement and Rafael Nadal withdrawing from the clay court season at a minimum, Djokovic is the only remaining ‘Big Three’ player to be contesting the title at Roland Garros.

The 35-year-old however has not been playing on top form in the current clay season, succumbing to an injury in Monte Carlo and losing in three sets in the quarter final in Rome by Denmark’s rising star, Hoger Rune.

FEARLESS HOLGER ⭐️
The moment @holgerrune2003 moved 2-1 in his head-to-head with Djokovic and reached his 3rd Masters 1000 semi-final! @InteBNLdItalia | #IBI23 pic.twitter.com/x6euAiIibP
— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 17, 2023

It was only announced earlier this month that the US will remove vaccination requirements this summer confirming that Djokovic will be eligible to play state side later this season.

However, the cost to his legacy and form after the saga in Melbourne and the subsequent tournament ineligibilities can never truly be measured.