Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian tennis legend with 24 Grand Slam titles, faces a pivotal moment as he prepares for the 2025 US Open, starting August 24. After a challenging year marked by three Grand Slam semifinal losses and a withdrawal from the National Bank Open in Toronto, Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-extending 25th major has drawn scrutiny. Tennis icon Jimmy Connors, an eight-time Grand Slam champion and five-time US Open winner, offered pointed advice on his *Advantage Connors* podcast on July 31, 2025, urging Djokovic to strategically manage his schedule to rediscover his peak form. “A player like Djokovic has got to watch his schedule and the effort he puts out because he’s the oldest guy out there now,” Connors said, emphasizing the need for rest and preparation to conquer Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a test of endurance. He retired injured against Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semifinals, fell to Jannik Sinner in straight sets at Roland Garros, and suffered a similar fate against Sinner at Wimbledon, where a leg injury visibly hampered him. “I got a feeling that as much as he would have liked to have won Wimbledon, that result in the semi, he didn’t like that,” Connors remarked, noting Djokovic’s distaste for losing 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. “Losing three straight sets like that. He’s not used to that, that’s not his game.” Connors believes this setback could fuel Djokovic’s fire, suggesting he might have “something up his sleeve” for the US Open, where his “guts” could surprise the field.
Connors, who at 39 staged a legendary semifinal run at the 1991 US Open, understands the toll of age and competition. He endorsed Djokovic’s Toronto withdrawal, joined by top stars like Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jack Draper, as a smart move to preserve energy. “After Wimbledon, I would have taken a week off. I’d go home, clean my clothes, and get ready to play,” Connors recalled of his own career, contrasting the era’s lesser financial pressures with today’s grueling schedules. He warned that Djokovic’s No. 6 ranking risks early clashes with Sinner or Alcaraz, making physical freshness critical. “When you’ve got guts, you’ve got guts,” Connors said, praising Djokovic’s mental toughness but acknowledging the challenge of back-to-back five-set battles against younger rivals.
Djokovic’s US Open history fuels optimism. His 2023 title, a four-set triumph over Daniil Medvedev, marked his fourth New York crown, tying him with Connors, Roger Federer, and Pete Sampras for the Open Era record. Yet, last year’s third-round loss to Alexei Popyrin, marred by 14 double faults and self-described “awful” play, was his earliest major exit in over seven years. “Honestly, the way I played, third round is a success,” Djokovic admitted then, revealing the physical and mental toll of his Olympic gold-medal run in Paris. Connors, however, sees potential for a “Connors moment”—an improbable, crowd-fueled surge like his own 1991 heroics. “I’m not counting him out,” he insisted, believing Djokovic’s hunger to prove doubters wrong could spark a Flushing Meadows revival.
As Djokovic eyes the Cincinnati Masters, starting August 7, as a tune-up, Connors’ advice underscores the delicate balance of rest and readiness. The Serbian’s participation in the US Open mixed doubles with Olga Danilovic adds intrigue, but his primary goal remains clear: surpassing Margaret Court’s 24 majors and becoming the oldest men’s Grand Slam champion. “I really think he can be there for a while,” Connors said, reflecting a sentiment shared by fans eager for another Djokovic masterclass. With Sinner and Alcaraz looming, Djokovic’s path is daunting, but Connors’ faith in his resilience paints a compelling picture of a legend poised to defy time once more.
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