
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Team Europe interact during the doubles match between Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe of Team World and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Team Europe during Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on September 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup)

via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Team Europe interact during the doubles match between Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe of Team World and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Team Europe during Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on September 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
Tennis legend Jimmy Connors recently shared his thoughts on him having hypothetical matchups against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, two of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Connors, an eight-time Grand Slam champion, believes that playing against Federer would have been more enjoyable than facing Nadal.
In a candid conversation, Connors analyzed the playing styles of both players and why he thinks it would have been a thrilling experience to compete against Federer. He shared how he would have never said yes to playing against Nadal but playing against Federer would have been fun.
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Jimmy Connors talks about how playing against Roger Federer would have been fun
Jimmy Connors is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Known for his aggressive baseline game, fierce competitiveness, and incredible longevity, Connors remained a force in professional tennis well into his late 30s.
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In an episode of Advantage Connors, Jimmy Connors talked about how he would have loved playing against Roger Federer. He said, “Federer I would have liked to have played. His style the way he moved across the court and you know the way he moved around to hit his forehand and in the way he served, wasn’t afraid to come in you know, sort of in falling on the grass and it would have been fun.”
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Connors explained why playing against Roger would have been a fun experience because he would have been able to combat his style the right way. However, when it came to Nadal, Connors had his reservations.
Connors confesses he would never say yes to playing against Rafael Nadal
On the other hand, during the same conversation, Jimmy Connors also talked about what it would have been like if he ever faced Nadal. He confessed how playing against him would not have been much fun. Connors added, “Of course, I wouldn’t have wanted to play him (Nadal) and I wouldn’t have wanted to get near him near clay. If they just said Nadal I’d go on to you know go into ice before I go to clay”
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Nadal’s style relies heavily on wearing down his opponents with powerful groundstrokes. And many including Jimmy Connors can’t match up to his playing style, which is why probably Connors would prefer playing against Federer over Nadal.
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