As the tennis world turns its eyes to Flushing Meadows for the 2025 US Open, set to begin on August 24, tennis legend Jimmy Connors has delivered a bold prediction, tipping Novak Djokovic to capture a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title and tie the Open Era record for most US Open men’s titles. The 72-year-old American, an eight-time Grand Slam champion and five-time US Open winner, shared his insights on his *Advantage Connors* podcast, expressing both confidence in Djokovic’s resilience and concern over his lack of match play. Despite the Serbian star’s recent withdrawals from key warm-up events, Connors believes the 38-year-old’s experience and tenacity make him a formidable contender. “I am thinking of a 10-1 shot (Djokovic),” Connors declared, emphasizing that the Serbian’s competitive fire cannot be underestimated.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a mix of brilliance and challenges. The world number six reached the semifinals at the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon, but failed to secure a major title, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz dominating recent Slams. His Wimbledon semifinal loss to Sinner, a straight-sets defeat on July 11, 2025, was particularly telling, as Djokovic appeared hampered by a leg injury sustained in his quarterfinal win over Flavio Cobolli. “He didn’t play in that match like he wanted to and lost in three straight,” Connors noted, highlighting Djokovic’s uncharacteristic struggle. The Serbian’s subsequent withdrawals from the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open have raised questions about his preparation, with Connors admitting, “The only thing that worries me is I wish he would go to Cincinnati and just play two or three matches.”
Djokovic’s decision to skip these Masters 1000 events means he will enter the US Open without competitive singles matches since Wimbledon, a risky strategy given his shocking third-round exit to Alexei Popyrin in 2024 after skipping the same warm-ups post-Olympics. “Then to take two and a half months off, he has a family, going on vacation and getting away. But you never know!” Connors remarked, hinting that Djokovic might be crafting a strategic approach to peak in New York. The Serbian, who last won the US Open in 2023 by defeating Daniil Medvedev, is also set to compete in the revamped mixed doubles event with compatriot Olga Danilovic on August 19-20, offering a chance to sharpen his game before the singles draw begins.
Connors, who shares the Open Era record of five US Open titles with Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, sees Djokovic’s current world number seven ranking as a hurdle but not a dealbreaker. Outside the top four seeds, Djokovic risks early clashes with top players like Sinner or Alcaraz. “Now he’s not in the seeding department where he’s gonna have to win three tough matches in a row: a quarter, and then a semi and a final,” Connors explained, noting the grueling best-of-five-set format and potential heat in New York. Yet, his faith in Djokovic’s ability to rise to the occasion remains unshaken. “You can’t count him out,” he insisted, pointing to Djokovic’s history of defying expectations, including his 2023 US Open triumph after a year of setbacks.
The tennis landscape has shifted, with Sinner and Alcaraz, both in their early 20s, dominating the sport. Sinner’s 2024 US Open title and Alcaraz’s French Open and Wimbledon victories in 2025 have set a high bar, but Connors believes Djokovic’s “guts” could spark an upset. “I got a feeling that he didn’t like that result in the semi, losing three straight sets like that. That’s not him, that’s not his game,” Connors said, suggesting the Wimbledon defeat has fueled Djokovic’s hunger. With 90 US Open match wins, second only to Connors’ 98, Djokovic’s experience at Flushing Meadows, where he’s reached 10 finals, gives him an edge.
As the US Open approaches, Djokovic’s quest for a fifth title, matching Connors, Federer, and Sampras, is a compelling storyline. His ability to overcome physical challenges and a younger, hungrier field will test his legendary resolve. Connors’ endorsement, tempered by concern over preparation, captures the intrigue surrounding Djokovic’s campaign. Whether the Serbian can conjure another “Jimmy Connors moment” like the American’s iconic 1991 semifinal run at age 39 remains to be seen, but for now, Connors is betting on Djokovic to surprise the tennis world once again.
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