JIMMY CONNORS ISSUES NOVAK DJOKOVIC WARNING AS HE DELIVERS WIMBLEDON FAVOURITES VERDICT
Tennis great Jimmy Connors has analysed Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s prospects of winning the 2024 Wimbledon Championships.
The eight-time Grand Slam champion asserted that Djokovic should be “right up there as the favourite” providing he is “healthy and feeling good.”
Djokovic has been ranked by some pundits as the third favourite to claim the Wimbledon title behind Sinner and Alcaraz, given he underwent surgery on his right knee last month.
The 37-year-old tore his medial meniscus at the 2024 French Open at the start of June and has surprised many by recovering in time to compete at Wimbledon.
The Serbian legend, who is the No 2 seed at Wimbledon, is seeking a record-equalling eighth title at the All England Club and record-extending 25th Grand Slam.
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Sinner and Alcaraz are seeded first and third respectively and could meet in the semi-finals, before a potential showdown with Djokovic in the final.
Alcaraz is looking to defend his 2023 Wimbledon crown, while Sinner is aiming to win his second Major to add to his Australian Open triumph.
Speaking on the Advantage Connors podcast, Connors gave his thoughts on the fact Djokovic is third in terms of the bookies’ favourites to win Wimbledon.
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“You got to look at ‘Djoker’. He may be the third favourite, but he has won the tournament seven times,” said the former world No 1.
“If he’s healthy and feeling good, then why wouldn’t he be right up there as the favourite? Sure, he’s had a tough season so far, but champions like Djokovic thrive under pressure. Wimbledon could be his stage to turn it all around.
“Djokovic has this incredible knack for wearing down his opponents. His movement on the court is like no other, and his stamina is second to none.”
The American backed Alcaraz to be the biggest threat to Djokovic and also highlighted the pressure Sinner will have to overcome as the world No 1.
“Alcaraz has that fearless spirit and, having already won a Major, he knows what it takes to perform on the big stage,” Connors continued.
“Sinner has had tough outings against Djokovic in the past. Facing Djokovic at Wimbledon, where his game shines brightest, is a different challenge altogether.
“Sinner has got all the skill, but being the favourite can be a double-edged sword. The expectations and the spotlight can sometimes weigh heavily.”
2024-07-05T16:12:32Z dg43tfdfdgfdCarlos Alcaraz holds Wimbledon advantage over Jannik Sinner – can world No 1 turn things around?