Former American No. 1 Jimmy Connors has picked his favorites for 2024 Wimbledon Championships and that include Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
The tennis great thinks there are reasons to believe Djokovic is top favorite for the 8th crown if he remains healthy and feels good.
Top tennis analysts have put Djokovic among the top favorites behind Alcaraz and Sinner to clinch the title at All England Club given he underwent a procedure on his right knee just a couple of weeks ago before Wimbledon.
The World #2 tore his medial meniscus at the 2024 Roland Garros last month and has surprised many by recovering in time to show his presence at SW19 lawns.
Djokovic, a #2 seed at Wimbledon is attempting to equal Roger Federer’s 8 titles at Championships and in process also extend his GS tally to 25 titles.
Sinner and Alcaraz are seeded first and third respectively and could meet in the last four before a potential showdown with Djokovic in the final.
Alcaraz is seeking his second crown at the All England Club as he defends his title while Sinner is aiming to clinch a second major title after securing his maiden Slam at 2024 Australian Open. Talking on the Advantage Connors podcast, the legendary American asserted that Djokovic deserves to be the favorite of bookies at Wimbledon.
“You got to look at ‘Djoker’. He may be the third favourite, but he has won the tournament seven times,” said the 8-time Grand Slam champion.
“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.”
Connors also tipped Alcaraz to be the biggest hurdle between Djokovic and the Wimbledon crown as he explained 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,” said the 71-year-old.
“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.”