Novak Djokovic surely won’t forget the recent heartbreaks at the French Open and Wimbledon. Despite his sensational form, injuries first took their toll, and then he faced the formidable Carlos Alcaraz. In such demotivating circumstances, even the best athletes need a boost of support and motivation. And who better to provide that than the legendary former tennis pro, Jimmy Connors?

Jimmy Connors participated in the July 24 episode of Advantage with Connors along with his co-host Brett Connors. The two deliberate on a wide range of topics including the Paris Olympics and Novak Djokovic’s chances at the grand stage. While he reflected on his troubles, he said that it would be unfair to bet against him at Roland Garros.

Speaking in the interview, Connors said that it would be better for Djokovic on clay, especially after the injury he faced. The clay courts would give him better movement on the courts and would help him strengthen his grip. He further revealed that it would be unfair to discount Nole. “You know, but saying that and in and I keep going back, you know, age, you know, Joker being 36, you know, 37 years old. It’s hard to ever bet against him. You know, no matter who he plays, because he can always rise to the occasion.” 

Remember, Djokovic tore the medial meniscus in his right knee at this year’s French Open after which he underwent surgery. While many believed him to be absent from Wimbledon, he not only made a return but emerged as the runner-up, despite being 37 years old, not an athlete-friendly age in general. Continuing further, he reflected on the perks that the Olympics bring to him.

“It’s two out of three, this is not the French that three out of five, it’s two out of three is not Wimbledon, three out of five, yes, it’s two out of three sets. And, and I think I think that’s going to benefit him also, with even if they do go three sets, it’s not going to be, you know, five hours, it might be two and a half, three hours or whatever.” While the Serbian maestro is a specialist in five-set games, he would enjoy the Best-of-three games at the Olympics.

It would give him a physical boost against players like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Connor added that such matches would help him stay fit throughout the tournament as Nole aims for his first Gold in the Paris Olympics. “He’s got the game, you know, he’s got the mental. He knows what it takes.” But Connor is not the only person to make such statements. 

Nole’s former coach Goran Ivanisevic earlier said he hoped Djokovic would manage to achieve his goal this summer. “I believe that Novak will find motivation, I am sure of it. I wish him Olympic gold with all my heart, even more than the Slams.” But, is Novak himself ready for the mega challenge?

“I want to reach my peak…,” When Novak Djokovic revealed his plans for the Olympics

Novak Djokovic is surely without a title this season so far. But what’s a legend without the magic of making a comeback? Djokovic knows exactly how to make a winning return and is eyeing the Paris Olympics to prove his mettle yet again. 

The World No. 3 said in April this year that he wants to play his best at the Paris Olympics. “It’s all about building my game for clay courts,” Djokovic shared. “I want to reach my peak for Paris – that’s where I want to play my best tennis. Anything else is a bonus, so let’s see what happens.” Continuing further, he also opened up about his mental preparations. “The situation is a bit different now. We are playing our first Olympics on clay. I want to be ready physically and mentally.”

With the grand tournament just a few days away, it would be interesting to see if predictions of Jimmy Connors actually turn out to be true. Will Nole win his first Gold medal in Paris? Only time will tell.