The disappointing defeat of Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open 2024 has turned appreciation into criticism. While the tennis star was constantly hitting great marks on his journey in the last quarter of 2023, his run seems to have slowed down for now. As the Serb currently finds himself in a struggling situation, the main question that arises here is: Is the ‘Serbinator era’ about to meet an end?

Legendary tennis player Jimmy Conners’ verdicts have always proved to be effective. As the 71-year-old noticed an evident shift in fans’ comments over the Serb’s diminished form, he presented a calm warning to them.

Jimmy Connors backs Novak Djokovic on his recent struggles

Jannik Sinner’s victory over Novak Djokovic not only earned the young Italian a whole pack of appreciation but also dropped deadly bombs of negative comments on Novak Djokovic. While the criticism was getting on the line, tennis legend Jimmy Connors came forward with a message for those doubting Novak Djokovic’s potential during his tough time.

In a recent podcast, Connors treated Djokovic’s form with optimism and highlighted his ability to bounce back despite challenges. Connors stated, “Federer is gone. And Nadal is hurt, but Joker is still, in their grind? And but on the other hand, don’t count him out.”

Connors presented an uncommon perspective, mentioning that the Serb has a unique experience to use challenges to his advantage. “He’ll find a way to use whatever he can to try to get back on track and to win a French or to win a Wimbledon or a US Open before this year is out,” he added. As the fans continued to doubt Novak Djokovic on his defeat, Connors’ verdict is sure to restore their faith in the Serb’s potential.

Former Australian Open finalist doubts Djokovic’s potential

While Jimmy Connors came forward with a supportive verdict for Novak Djokovic, former Australian Open finalist Arnaud Clément came forward with a contradictory statement. Considering his third-time defeat against Jannik Sinner, the veteran mentioned, “We always wondered who could beat Djokovic on hard and grass. Now a player has just beaten him three times on hard court.”

While Djokovic has always proved to defy his age, Clement raised a question over that particular form as well. “The vision we have of Djokovic is a little called into question. For the first time, in Melbourne, we said to ourselves that he looked a little older than his age,” he added.

As the Serb currently finds himself surrounded by mixed emotions of support and lost faith, it still remains to be seen which emotion will be overpowered.