Last month saw the 23-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic, suffer a major blow. The Serb failed to defend his Wimbledon title, losing in the summit clash against Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic dominated the tournament until the final, however, he failed to cross the last hurdle as the Spaniard clinched his first Wimbledon title. The World Number 2 even got emotional after losing a keenly contested final.

Earlier this year in May, Djokovic turned 36. He no longer has the legs as seen of Djokovic from a few years ago. Although he tried to give his best, putting on a consistent show across the length of the marathon match is something that he missed in the final. Recently, American tennis legend, Jimmy Connors talked about Djokovic’s longevity in tennis.

Jimmy Connors backs the age-defying feats of Novak Djokovic

During the recent episode of the Advantage Connors podcast, Spencer Segura sat down with Jimmy Connors to talk on a variety of subjects – from the past days of tennis to Alcaraz’s rise. During one such conversation, Connors opened up about Djokovic’s longevity in tennis.

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Opening up on this, 70-year-old Connors said, “Djokovic is 35, 36. So, I mean, people don’t understand that when athletes get to that point of 35, 36, what they’ve put their body through, and also their mind to play five hour matches and to play under that kind of pressure and, and all that.”

Further, he went on to give Tom Brady’s example of longevity in sports, saying that although the NFL legend played until he was 42, he doesn’t see many athletes playing till such an age. Additionally, Connors also revealed that it takes a toll on one’s body while consistently performing at the top level.

Since his Wimbledon defeat, Djokovic is yet to feature in a tennis match. The former World Number 1 has announced his upcoming schedule.

Where will Djokovic play next?

Owing to his vaccination status, the Serb will continue to miss the National Bank Open in Toronto. However, Djokovic is set to participate in the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati later this month. Subsequently, the 23-time Grand Slam champion will be seen in action at the US Open, after missing the previous edition.

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While Djokovic is still reeling from his Wimbledon defeat, it’ll be interesting to see how he responds on his return. The last Grand Slam tournament of the season commences on August 28.