Jimmy Connors weighs in on the prospect of Rafael Nadal retiring this year
Jimmy Connors has shared his thoughts on the possibility of Rafael Nadal retiring in 2024 and declared the sport is “so much better” with the Spaniard in it.
The former world No 1 believes Nadal’s presence creates “so many talking points” and hailed his fellow tennis legend for his attitude and relentless approach.
Nadal has divulged that he will likely call time on his incredible career at some stage this year, although he has not set a deadline.
The 37-year-old is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in tennis history and he has been a seismic force in the sport for almost 20 years, having won his maiden Major in 2005.
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Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam titles — a remarkable tally that puts him second on the all-time men’s list in this category behind Novak Djokovic.
The former world No 1 returned from over three months out due to injury at the Barcelona Open last month, where he reached the second round.
The Mallorcan then made an impressive run to the last 16 at the Madrid Masters last week in what was likely his last tournament in his home country.
Nadal will next feature at the Italian Open, which gets underway on May 8, before a potential final appearance at the French Open looms. He is yet to confirm whether he will compete at Roland Garros, where he is a 14-time champion.
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In a conversation with his son Brett on the Advantage Connors podcast, Connors discussed the fact Nadal may be in the last months of his career.
“Listen, the game’s better with him in it. So much better. He creates so many talking points. Whether it’s talking [about] that he’s too old, he’s not what it used to be, this is like the old mayor,” said the eight-time Grand Slam champion.
“The way he always approached his matches and went out there, he was all business. And the attitude that he had and the grit and the grind, never let a ball. Run down everything.
“You know, [he would] kill himself. And leave his DNA out there. And he’s loved plenty all around the world.
“Ultimately, it’s his decision (to retire). And eventually, we all get it. Everybody gets it, and then you have so many other things to do the rest of your life that you just fold into that.”
Nadal, who will turn 38 in June during the French Open, has played only 27 matches since winning his most recent title at the 2022 edition of Roland Garros.
The Spaniard had not competed for almost a year before making his comeback in Brisbane in January, having suffered a hip injury at the 2023 Australian Open that required surgery.
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