ATP: Can Novak Djokovic catch Jimmy Connors?
Since Saturday, Novak Djokovic has been a member of the exclusive club of only five players who have won at least 1,000 matches at ATP Tour level. Djokovic is still missing a number of victories on the all-time leader Jimmy Connors.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: May 18, 2022, 12:52 pm
The final in Rome on Sunday showed once again: a lead against Novak Djokovic is usually only on loan. And so it didn't bother the industry leader that Stefanos Tsitsipas served to win the second set at a score of 5: 3. Djokovic managed the rebreak, roared his satisfaction in the steep stands of the Foro Italico and a few minutes later was able to celebrate his first thousandth match success on the ATP tour. In addition to his sixth title in Rome.
Only 273 missing on Jimmy Connors, the leader in the all-time leaderboard. Can Novak Djokovic reach and surpass this mark - and also leave Roger Federer (1,251), Ivan Lendl (1,068) and Rafael Nadal (1,051) on the side?
Djokovic needs five years at 2019 level
That's not out of the question. In Rome, Djokovic, who will celebrate his 35th birthday in a few weeks, looked fit as the proverbial sneaker. However, the man from Belgrade would have to play (and dominate) at the same level for a few more years as last year. Djokovic won 55 games and only lost seven. Five more seasons like this - and Jimmy Connors would have to give up his crown.
Seen in this way, the task does not appear to be quite so "easy" to master. Because Novak Djokovic reached the milestone of 1,000 victories almost three years older than the legendary American. In any case, Novak Djokovic would be able to overtake the injured Rafael Nadal. And after that, Ivan Lendl will also move back one place.
Much more important for Novak Djokovic will be the lead in another category anyway: namely in each of the Grand Slam titles won. In the best case scenario, the Serb could be 22 after the Wimbledon tournament. And with that one in front of Nadal.