Jimmy Connors claims Novak Djokovic’s presence is good for tennis amid Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner dominance

Former World No.1 Jimmy Connors has claimed that Novak Djokovic’s presence is good for tennis amid Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s dominance. While Sinner and Alcaraz have shared the last eight Slams on the tour, Djokovic is the third-best player on the tour.

The Serbian made it to the semifinal of all Majors in 2025 but could not get over the line against Sinner and Alcaraz in the last three Grand Slams. Djokovic is still playing at a very high level despite his age and Connors reckons it is good for the tennis world as the Serbian keeps Alcaraz and Sinner on their toes.

The former American player recalled how Djokovic came through the ranks when Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were dominating on the tour.

Jimmy Connors said on the Advantage Connors podcast, “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.”

Meanwhile, after losing the US Open semifinal against eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic had admitted he is concerned regarding his future as he had ran out of gas in his straight-set loss.

“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.”

Djokovic has confirmed that he will next take part in the Shanghai Masters.