Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal urged to carry on playing by tennis legend
Former world number one Jimmy Connors has urged Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to carry on playing at the highest level, the Daily Express report.
The pair, who have won 38 Grand Slam titles between them, have been the sport’s leading names over the past 15 years and are edging close to calling it a day.
Novak Djokovic also seems to be on the rise again after serious injury problems, with the Serb winning Wimbledon in the summer and the US Open earlier this month to take his Grand Slam total to 14.
With the dominant trio all now the other side of 30, many have been wondering as to when they will retire.
However, American Connors, who spent 160 consecutive weeks at number one between 1974-1977, has urged all three to continue playing for as long as possible, as the younger generation are not ready to take over just yet.
From all those over 30, I say keep it going – let the young guys follow until they’re willing to step up and take your place from you.
[Roger] Federer, [Rafael] Nadal, Djokovic, [Andy] Murray, [Stan] Wawrinka and [Marin] Cilic and now Del Potro back – you would think that tennis is in a good spot.
But then I ask you, what happens when they’re gone? Where’s the youth to take it to the next level?
In one way I love watching the guys that are over 30 play and keep winning but also I want to see some of these young guys.
Who is that? Who is going to step forward? Who is going to start making their name and their legacy and their Grand Slam record?