Legend Connors Warns Sinner: ‘Don’t Let French Open Talk Creep In’ at Wimbledon
London, June 26, 2025 — With the iconic lawns of Wimbledon just days away from opening, Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner is under intense scrutiny—not just from his fans and rivals, but now also from a legend of the game. Former World No. 1 and eight-time Grand Slam champion Jimmy Connors has issued a public piece of advice for the 23-year-old: “Don’t let French Open talk creep into your head when you walk on Centre Court.”
Sinner, fresh off a heartbreaking five-set loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Roland Garros final, has admitted in recent interviews that the physical and emotional toll of that battle has lingered longer than expected. Despite his focus shifting to grass, signs of residual fatigue and hesitancy have sparked concern among tennis analysts and former pros alike.
Speaking on his popular tennis podcast, Advantage Connors, the American great praised Sinner’s progress over the past year but cautioned against the weight of expectation clouding his Wimbledon ambitions. “Jannik’s got all the tools,” Connors said. “But if he keeps reliving Paris, even subconsciously, he’ll be out by the third round. Wimbledon is a whole different beast.”
Connors, known for his grit and mental toughness in the 70s and 80s, emphasized the importance of emotional reset. “You don’t carry heartbreak onto grass. That’s a court that rewards clarity and nerve. Sinner has to start from zero.”
Sinner’s preparation for Wimbledon has already shown signs of being turbulent. He exited early in the Halle Open, falling in the quarter-finals, and has since admitted that adapting to grass after an intense clay season is always “mentally taxing.” His team, including coach Darren Cahill, has been working on recalibrating his serve-and-volley tactics—essential for the faster, lower bounce conditions on grass.
Despite the concerns, Sinner remains seeded No. 1 and a clear tournament favorite. But as Connors’ comments highlight, the battle may be as much internal as it is external. “The margins at Wimbledon are razor-thin,” Connors concluded. “One tight service game, one break point where your mind is back on that missed shot from Paris—and you’re gone. Champions reset. That’s what Jannik needs to prove now.”
With the Wimbledon draw expected to be released this weekend and Sinner slated to open play on Tuesday, all eyes will be on whether the Italian can compartmentalize the past and focus fully on his present—and perhaps future—triumph on grass.
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Wimbledon begins Monday, June 30, with Sinner expected to play his first-roun
d match on July 1.
