With Wimbledon over, and his disappointing performance in the final behind him, Novak Djokovic will already have his eyes on the next big prize.
And, for him, it is arguably the biggest possible, as the Olympics remains the only title of note, or gold medal, that eludes the 37-year-old.
So, he will give his all to ensure that he is fully fit and firing, ready to combat a hugely talented cast of players who will want to disrupt his crowning moment.
But, Jimmy Connors fears for him, left baffled by what Djokovic said after losing the Wimbledon final.
Jimmy Connors left baffled by Novak Djokovic’s actions
Speaking on his podcast, Advantage Connors, the former world number one outlined his apprehension and bafflement by the Serbian’s words.
After all, he saw it as an admission of defeat, and almost a resignation that his time at the top was over.
He told reporters after Wimbledon: ‘Being able to reach the final of Wimbledon gives a great confidence boost. But I also feel like in a matchup today against the best player in the world right now for sure, other than Jannik, both of them are the best this year by far… I feel like I’m not at that level.’
Connors has since responded: ‘Man I would never admit that. That’s just me. I would think that, from the inside of me I’d be saying I’m gonna do everything to try and stay up there and compete with them. And to be as good as I could to match them as opposed to saying I am not on their level.
‘Sometimes, we always talk about confidence and the mental aspect of this, you don’t want everyone to go in feeling defeated. And against a Sinner or an Alcaraz, to say well I’m not on your level, maybe it’s reverse psychology that he’s throwing out there that, then if I win, I’m superhuman!’
Novak Djokovic could still mount a comeback
As Connors said, this could well be reverse psychology from the great champion, who, it cannot be forgotten, is still just one Grand Slam title away from being recognised as the most successful player at majors, male or female.
Novak Djokovic would be in a league of his own were he to achieve that, and that motivation, plus his well-documented and burning desire to win an Olympic gold medal, could push him through to achieve such greatness.
After all, he has overcome harder challenges, as trying to upset Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s monopoly over the sport is something that few in the history of the sport could have done.
But accomplish it he did, and he has even now surpassed them regarding Grand Slam titles.
So, as Andy Roddick likes to say, discount the greats at your own peril.
There is every chance that he could cap off a miserable 2024 with Olympic gold and the US Open, cementing his legacy as the GOAT.
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