In the realm of tennis, where players strive for greatness and strain their bodies to the maximum, age frequently becomes a defining aspect of their careers. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is not an exception. After facing a stunning three-set defeat to Italian player Luca Nardi, Djokovic exited Indian Wells. Putting that into context, tennis legend Jimmy Connors commented on the inevitable part of any athlete’s career.

Connors, a legendary tennis player renowned for his perseverance and longevity in the game, understands Djokovic’s difficulties and sheds light on the challenges associated with playing with “younger” players once they cross a certain age in their professional career. Here’s what he said.

Jimmy Connors makes sense of Novak Djokovic’s early-season setbacks on the court

Novak Djokovic has accomplished nearly every dream in the sport of tennis with his Grand Slam victories and a record-breaking run as the number one player in the world. But as time goes on, the physical toll is more noticeable, as he faced a disheartening loss in the Indian Wells and also withdrew his name from the Miami Open recently. Pointing to this, Jimmy Connors reflected on the unavoidable factor of age in the athletic realm, saying, “Age is something that you can never beat. And as much as you try to fight it, and as much as you try to figure out a way, you know, with your diet or with your training or whatever, you know, numbers count in that.”

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In the third round of the Indian Wells Masters, the 36-year-old was shockingly defeated in three sets by 20-year-old Italian Luca Nardi, who is ranked 123rd in the world. Referring to this aspect of the event, Connors further stated in the podcast, “And when you’re playing guys that are, you know, 15 years younger than you experience, is a great thing. And I want to say it one more time, the only thing about it, experience by the time you get it, you’re too damn old to do anything with it.”

Djokovic’s early-season defeats and starting 2024 with no victories might be a sign of this impending reality. Fans and commentators alike have doubted him because, despite his best efforts, he experienced setbacks on the court. The Serbian is not too happy with himself right now either.

Djokovic on his “poor performance” at Indian Wells

After losing to Nardi at Indian Wells, Djokovic criticized his own play and said it was an unfamiliar feeling for him to not have won any titles yet this year. “No titles this year. That’s not something I’m used to”, he said in a post-match conference. It was after this match that Novak Djokovic expressed his uncertainty regarding performing at the upcoming Miami Open, which he eventually withdrew from.

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Further describing his performance as not up to par at the BNP Paribas Open, Djokovic said, “I could have done everything different. I mean, as I said, very poor performance from my side”. The argument about Djokovic’s performance and age will surely continue as he proceeds further in his career. But if there’s one thing that fans and followers alike can agree upon, it’s the tenacity and willpower that characterize winners like Djokovic.

Watch more: Novak Djokovic Follows Rafael Nadal’s Footsteps As He Makes Unfortunate Miami Open Decision