“Don’t tell him when to quit” : Jimmy Connors backs Novak Djokovic despite Australian Open injury
Jimmy Connors has backed former world number one Novak Djokovic to continue fighting amidst question marks over his future. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had to retire after losing the first set to Alexander Zverev in the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic has injured his left hamstring which could keep him out of action for several weeks. However, Jimmy Connors believes that the Serbian should not be asked to retire, given the hunger he has shown throughout his career. The former American tennis player applauds the Serb’s fighting spirit, and will continue to root for him.
Given that the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray have all retired, Novak Djokovic remains the only active member of the Big Four on the ATP Tour. “And I look at him and I root for him, you know, I rooted for him because I liked his game. I like the way he played…And I rooted for him then and I’m rooting for him now,” Connors said.
Despite being in the final stage of his career, Jimmy Connors believes that the Serb gives it his all on the court. “I’m all for a guy who’s willing to go out there and do whatever it takes still, to still put it on the line and go for it.“
Jimmy Connors roots for Novak Djokovic amidst calls for retirement
Jimmy Connors believes that Novak Djokovic would know the right time to call it a day, and does not need others asking him to retire. “You know, don’t tell him when to quit. He’ll know when to quit, you know, and when to move on. The others have, Federer did, Nadell has now, and Murray.”
Jimmy Connors acknowledged that retirement would be a big decision for Novak Djokovic, given that he has served the sport so well for the past two decades. “But I will say one thing before we move on, Brett, that’s a tough decision, boy. You know, because, you know, for 20 years or whatever amount of years he’s done it, you know, all of a sudden to wake up one morning and say, what, it’s over? I don’t have to do, I’m not going to do that anymore. That’s a tough, tough day to wake up,” said Jimmy Connors.
Novak Djokovic is expected to remain on the sidelines for several weeks, as there is no timeline set for his return to the tour. The Serbian had quite a run in Melbourne, before his injury worsened in the semifinals. He defeated the four-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz in four sets in the quarterfinals. The Serbian outplayed his rival on all fronts despite carrying an injury.
