In a recent interview, tennis legend Jimmy Connors shared his thoughts on Novak Djokovic’s dominance in tennis and revealed the one player he believes Djokovic could never beat, and surprisingly, it’s not the young rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner.
Connors, who holds an iconic place in tennis history himself, acknowledged Djokovic’s unmatched consistency and mental strength, which have kept him at the top of the game for over a decade. With a career that includes multiple Grand Slam titles and records, Djokovic has long been considered one of the greatest to ever play the sport. However, Connors pointed out that there’s still one major challenge Djokovic faces – time.
When asked who he thinks could ultimately stop Djokovic from winning more titles, Connors said, “It’s not Alcaraz or Sinner, it’s Father Time.” He went on to explain that while Djokovic’s incredible work ethic and physical conditioning have allowed him to maintain a high level of play well into his 30s, even the best athletes in the world eventually succumb to the natural process of aging. Connors, reflecting on his own career, noted that while a player’s body may remain fit and sharp, the energy and resilience required for peak performance start to diminish as they age.
Connors’ comments come at a time when Djokovic is in the latter stages of his career but remains as competitive as ever, with his recent Australian Open win in 2025 showcasing his enduring abilities. While he is undoubtedly one of the toughest competitors in the sport, Connors highlighted that Father Time is the one opponent Djokovic can’t outlast.
Despite this, Connors also emphasized that Djokovic has the unique ability to continually push the limits of what is possible for athletes in their 30s, especially in an era of physically demanding tennis. His relentless dedication to maintaining his fitness and mental sharpness means he can still perform at a high level for the foreseeable future.
Connors isn’t alone in acknowledging Djokovic’s potential longevity in tennis, as many experts believe the Serbian could continue to challenge for major titles well into his late 30s, possibly even 40s, if he manages to stay healthy.
Ultimately, while rising stars like Alcaraz and Sinner will be tough competitors in the coming years, Jimmy Connors reminds us that the real opponent Djokovic faces in the end is the inevitable passage of time.
