Jimmy Connors has discussed Rafael Nadal’s upcoming retirement

Former world No 1 Jimmy Connors has assessed that Rafael Nadal’s on-court attitude and playing style led to the “breakdown” in his body that has forced him to retire. 

The eight-time Grand Slam champion “loves” Nadal’s approach and revealed he “treasures” being compared to the Spaniard.

Nadal will play the final event of his incredible career at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals knockout stage in Malaga, which will run from November 19-24.

In an emotional video announcing his decision on social media, Nadal explained: “The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two years 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.”

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Speaking on the Advantage Connors podcast, Connors gave his thoughts on Nadal’s retirement.

“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,” the American said. “I said he played like he’s broke and I know that ain’t true!

“He was willing to go out there and lay it all on the line every time. It didn’t 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, it’s a breakdown.

“If you play like that, not that other guys don’t play like that, but you can tell some guys like Rafa, compared to let’s say [Roger] Federer.

“Federer moved more elegantly across the court, but Rafa was a grinder. You know, get down and dirty with him. That’s why on clay, his shirt and socks were dirty. I love that about him.

“That comparison (between Connors and Nadal) is something that I treasure and I hope that he feels the same.

“I go back again to the way he played. 38, that’s a good innings he’s had. He’s 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, he’s put in his time. He’s done his time and he’s gotta be proud of that. Everybody else is feeling the pain of Federer leaving and now Rafa leaving, [Andy] Murray, and ‘Djoker’ (Novak Djokovic) is no spring chicken either. Facts are facts and that’s the end of an era.”

Following his third place playoff match against Novak Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam last week, Nadal was asked what he will miss most when he retires.

“I’m going to miss almost everything,” Nadal said. “It’s been a dream come true to be able to play for almost 20 years. Having the chance to play in the best places in the world. It’s something I watched on TV as a kid.

“At the end, I realised my dream to become a pro tennis player and be a successful one. I can’t thank enough the support and love I received all around the world.

“It’s been amazing energy during every tournament I played. Huge support. From my team and family but also from the entire tennis world.

“It’s been a huge pleasure to be around. I’m a fortunate guy to be a tennis player. We have a great tour and a lot of great people running the sport. I feel very fortunate. I want to thank everyone.”

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