Jimmy Connors acknowledges that Rafael Nadal's style may not have been as elegant as Roger Federer's but also admits that he has always been flattered to hear some drawing comparisons between him and the Spaniard.
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After heavily struggling with injuries for the past two years, the 38-year-old confirmed this month that this was his last season in pro tennis and that his retirement would come at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga between November 13-20.
From Day 1 of his career, Nadal built a reputation as a major competitor and someone who always goes with full strength. Although that style led to some serious injuries very early in his career, the now 22-time Grand Slam champion never changed his attitude a bit. While he managed to make several successful comebacks from injuries in the past, it didn't happen this time after a hip injury sustained during the 2023 Australian Open. However, the former world No. 1 didn't go down without a fight as he had surgery and tried his best to make another successful return - but his body finally let him down.
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A long time ago, Connors was also someone who was willing to do everything needed in order to get a win - even if it meant grinding it out and winning ugly. That led to some comparing the former eight-time Grand Slam champion and Nadal.
I said many years ago, when he was first coming up, his style reminded me a lot of the way I played and my attitude towards it. I said he played like hes broke and I know that aint true! He was willing to go out there and lay it all on the line every time. It didnt matter what the score was, whether he was up or down or whatever, he was going to give it his all until the very end. Hence, its a breakdown," the American tennis legend said on the Advantage Connors podcast.
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If you play like that, not that other guys dont play like that, but you can tell some guys like Rafa, compared to lets say Roger. Federer moved more elegantly across the court, but Rafa was a grinder. You know, get down and dirty with him. Thats why on clay, his shirt and socks were dirty. I love that about him."
Connors proud of being compared to Nadal
During his prime years, the American won eight Slams between 1974 and 1983. After landing his eighth Major at the 1983 US Open, he was a finalist at 1984 Wimbledon but didn't manage to win the title. Even though he never again won a Grand Slam, Connors officially remained in pro tennis until the age of 43 and retiring in 1996.
That comparison is something that I treasure and I hope that he feels the same. I go back again to the way he played. 38, thats a good innings hes had. Hes had a good 18, 20 year career and everything that he put into it. 22 Slams and how many other tournaments to go along with that. So you know, hes put in his time. Hes done his time and hes gotta be proud of that. Everybody else is feeling the pain of Federer leaving and now Rafa leaving, Murray, and Djoker is no spring chicken either. Facts are facts and thats the end of an era," Connors added.
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Nadal highlighted one thing in his retirement speech
Despite battling major foot issues in 2022, the Spaniard managed to win the opening two Slams of the year. But then, he picked up an abdominal injury at Wimbledon and didn't play or look good in the rest of 2022.
When the 2023 season started, the hope was that Nadal was fully healthy and would stay that way. Sadly, that wasn't the case after that unfortunate hip injury. While the 38-year-old returned to action at the start of this season, it didn't take long before he again found himself sidelined. And since it has become evident that it is impossible for his body to fully recover or stay healthier over a longer period, the former world No. 1 realized that it was time for him to retire.
"I'm here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don't think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But, in this life, everything has a beginning and an end. And I think it's the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined. I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country," Nadal said in the message.
