McEnroe compares Nadal to LeBron James, believes he could complete comeback and win 2024 French Open
ATP
John
McEnroe compared Rafael Nadal to basketball player LeBron James and expressed
his opinion that the Spaniard can win the French Open next year.
Rafael
Nadal's injuries have prevented him from fully participating in the tour in
recent years, and this 2023 has perhaps been the most challenging year for him.
He has not played any matches since the second round of the Australian Open and
had to skip the entire clay season. This will be the first time in 18 years
that he will not play in the French Open, a tournament he has already won 14
times.
When he
announced that he would not be playing in his favorite tournament, Nadal
expressed that he hopes 2024 will be his last year as a professional. John
McEnroe commented on the situation of the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
“It’s
unfortunate obviously,” said McEnroe
“But it
does open the door and I think it's inevitable, they say Father Time wins every
time, and that's what's happened here,”
The
American assured that Nadal will do everything possible to return to playing
his favorite tournaments next year and used the case of Andy Murray as an
example.
“I'm sure
that Rafa did everything he could to try to play and this is not the way he
wants it to end so that's why he's talked about playing next year,” he said.
Read also
“Whatever
Rafa wants to do is something that we should respect and any player…you watch Murray play, he's not the same player that he was and not nearly as
highly ranked, but he wants to go out on his own terms and I'm sure it'll be
the same with Rafa.”
McEnroe
commented on the similarities he sees between the Spaniard and LeBron James,
and he assured that Nadal has a good chance of winning the upcoming Roland
Garros.
I would
never say that he couldn't win at Roland-Garros. Anyone that's done what he's
done, as long as he stepped foot on a court would have a great chance.
Read also
“He reminds
me a lot of Lebron James. LeBron James is a little bit older and is part of a
team, but I think he proved he was still a fantastic player.
“But you
know, maybe at the end of those [season-end] games he got a little tired
because too much was expected from him. And at some point, that's what's gonna
happen to Rafa, it happens to everybody, you're going to be asking too much,”
the American concluded.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.
mandoist05-11-2026 - Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
