Jimmy Connors acknowledges that Rafael Nadal’s model could not have been as elegant as Roger Federer’s but additionally admits that he has all the time been flattered to listen to some drawing comparisons between him and the Spaniard.
After closely battling accidents for the previous two years, the 38-year-old confirmed this month that this was his final season in professional tennis and that his retirement would come on the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga between November 13-20.
From Day 1 of his profession, Nadal constructed a status as a serious competitor and somebody who all the time goes with full power. Though that model led to some severe accidents very early in his profession, the now 22-time Grand Slam champion by no means modified his angle a bit. Whereas he managed to make a number of profitable comebacks from accidents prior to now, it did not occur this time after a hip harm sustained through the 2023 Australian Open. Nonetheless, the previous world No. 1 did not go down with out a combat as he had surgical procedure and tried his finest to make one other profitable return – however his physique lastly let him down.
A very long time in the past, Connors was additionally somebody who was keen to do all the things wanted with the intention to get a win – even when it meant grinding it out and successful ugly. That led to some evaluating the previous eight-time Grand Slam champion and Nadal.
“I mentioned a few years in the past, when he was first developing, his model jogged my memory numerous the way in which I performed and my angle in direction of it. I mentioned he performed like he’s broke and I do know that ain’t true! He was keen to go on the market and lay all of it on the road each time. It didn’t matter what the rating was, whether or not he was up or down or no matter, he was going to provide it his all till the very finish. Therefore, it’s a breakdown,” the American tennis legend mentioned on the Benefit Connors podcast.
“Should you play like that, not that different guys don’t play like that, however you possibly can inform some guys like Rafa, in comparison with let’s say Roger. Federer moved extra elegantly throughout the court docket, however Rafa was a grinder. , get down and soiled with him. That’s why on clay, his shirt and socks have been soiled. I like that about him.”
Connors happy with being in comparison with Nadal
Throughout his prime years, the American gained eight Slams between 1974 and 1983. After touchdown his eighth Main on the 1983 US Open, he was a finalist at 1984 Wimbledon however did not handle to win the title. Despite the fact that he by no means once more gained a Grand Slam, Connors formally remained in professional tennis till the age of 43 and retiring in 1996.
“That comparability is one thing that I treasure and I hope that he feels the identical. I am going again once more to the way in which he performed. 38, that’s a superb innings he’s had. He’s had a superb 18, 20 12 months profession and all the things that he put into it. 22 Slams and what number of different tournaments to go together with that. So you already know, he’s put in his time. He’s completed his time and he’s gotta be happy with that. Everyone else is feeling the ache of Federer leaving and now Rafa leaving, Murray, and ‘Djoker’ is not any spring hen both. Information are details and that’s the top of an period,” Connors added.
Nadal highlighted one factor in his retirement speech
Regardless of battling main foot points in 2022, the Spaniard managed to win the opening two Slams of the 12 months. However then, he picked up an belly harm at Wimbledon and did not play or look good in the remainder of 2022.
When the 2023 season began, the hope was that Nadal was absolutely wholesome and would keep that means. Sadly, that wasn’t the case after that unlucky hip harm. Whereas the 38-year-old returned to motion initially of this season, it did not take lengthy earlier than he once more discovered himself sidelined. And because it has turn out to be evident that it’s unimaginable for his physique to totally get well or keep more healthy over an extended interval, the previous world No. 1 realized that it was time for him to retire.
“I am right here to let you already know that I’m retiring from skilled tennis. The truth is that it has been some tough years, these final two particularly. I do not suppose I’ve been capable of play with out limitations. It’s clearly a tough choice, one which has taken me a while to make. However, on this life, all the things has a starting and an finish. And I believe it is the suitable time to place an finish to a profession that has been lengthy and far more profitable than I might have ever imagined. I’m very excited that my final event would be the last of the Davis Cup and representing my nation,” Nadal mentioned within the message.