Jimmy Connors comments on Novak Djokovic's blunt statement to younger guys

• Tennis News
• Novak Djokovic

Tennis legend Jimmy Connors says Novak Djokovic "made a good statement" in telling the younger generation he will be around as long as they don't figure out a way to beat him. Djokovic, 36, made the finals in all four Grand Slams this year and won three Majors to become the first-ever male player with 24 Grand Slams.

After beating 20-year-old Ben Shelton in the US Open semifinal, Djokovic hinted he will start to consider retirement only when younger players start beating him at the Grand Slam level. "I don't want to even consider leaving tennis or thinking about an end if I'm still at the top of the game.

I will probably consider doing that if I get my a** kicked by young guys in Grand Slams in the years to come," Djokovic said after beating Shelton.

Connors responds to Djokovic's statement to the younger generation

"We're talking about a 36-year-old guy who's making the headlines.

And you know I'm going to say it again. I like that. You know, he made a good statement. He says I'm staying around as long as these young guys don't want to beat me. I'm gonna stay and play and I don't blame him, because he is good.

You know, he works at, he works at it. He does everything he can to be the best he can be and from there I mean all you all you have to do is just give him the respect for everything he's put into it. And by the way, He's on number 24," Connors said on the Advantage Connors podcast.

After winning his 24th Grand Slam at the US Open, Djokovic confirmed that he is not thinking about retirement. At 36, Djokovic still feels healthy and believes he can achieve more. For the remainder of the year, Djokovic revealed his major goal will be to win the Davis Cup with Serbia.