"Anything before that is a bonus": Jimmy Connors forsees Rafael Nadal's targets pointing towards Roland Garros in final year
WTASaturday, 06 January 2024 at 23:30
Jimmy
Connors commented on Rafael Nadal's recent defeat at the 2024 Brisbane
International, his first tournament in 12 months. The Spaniard showed good
performance in his early matches, and only details separated him from victory
against Jordan Thompson. Nadal had three match points in his favor but couldn't
convert any.
Eventually,
the Australian secured the win 7-5, 6-7(6), 3-6 after more than three hours of
play. Former world No. 1 Jimmy Connors downplayed Nadal's loss, considering
that Nadal's main focus will be on Roland Garros.
Rafael Nadal's Focus
The
22-times Grand Slam champion received medical attention during the match,
although, as he said, it would be a minor bother and is unrelated to his
previous injury. With just a week left for the start of the Australian Open,
many fans are hoping to see Nadal at his best for the first Grand Slam of the
year, although Connors believes that the top priority is the French Open:
"I
think, you know, Australia if he has success there success and throughout Monte
Carlo, and the clay, or Miami or whatever, I think his goal is the French Open
and it if he wins another time, what would that be 47 times? Certainly a record
that will never be broken," Connors added.
"And
it is gonna be interesting to see how these young guys, you know, Carlos
Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas and all those guys tend to
look at him when he comes in," former world No. 1 said.
Mental Block of His Opponents
Connors
remarked that several players experience mental blocks when facing competitors
like Rafael Nadal, as many consider it impossible to defeat him. The American
believes that this sentiment persists despite Nadal's extended absence:
"Yeah,
you know and I look back because a lot of times you walk out there and you've
won the match before you people walked on the court," Jimmy Connors said
(at 48.30). "Yeah. And I think Rafael Nadal might still have that
reputation.""I think he's still has that, 'oh my god, he's back, oh,
watch out, he's been out for a year you know you know sometimes you get a
little twitchy'," he added (at 48.40).
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.
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