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Andre Agassi's ex-coach Brad Gilbert reacted to Roger Federer practicing with his agent's son, Nico Godsick. Chris Evert's ex-husband John Lloyd claimed that Rafael Nadal won't win the 2024 French Open.
Jimmy Connors said he was open to coaching Novak Djokovic, following his split with ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic. Meanwhile, Danielle Collins shared a childhood memory involving her father after reaching the final of the Miami Open.
On that note, here's a quick recap of the day's biggest headlines:
Brad Gilbert reacts to Roger Federer practicing with Nico Godsick
Roger Federer recently practiced with his agent, Tony Godsick and former WTA pro Mary Joe Fernandez's son Nico, who currently plays for Stanford University's intercollegiate tennis team.
Nico is a talented player who made it to the main draw of doubles at the US Open in 2022 after winning the doubles event at the USTA Boys 18s National Championship with his partner Ethan Quinn earlier that year. Nico and Quinn advanced to the second round at Flushing Meadows before being defeated by the duo of Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic.
After a video of Federer guiding Nico at Stanford University's campus went viral on X (formerly Twitter), Andre Agassi's ex-coach Brad Gilbert took to the same social media platform and reacted to the event, writing:
"so cool 😎 for Nico @StanfordTennis."
John Lloyd thinks Rafael Nadal won't win French Open 2024
Rafael Nadal hasn't played competitive tennis since the Brisbane International in January due to a minor hip injury, which led to his withdrawal from the Australian Open. He also pulled out of Indian Wells and the Miami Open.
The Spaniard is expected to make his comeback at the Monte-Carlo Masters (April 6-14). He also has his sights set on the French Open (May 20-June 9) and Paris Olympics (July 26-August 11), after hinting that he might retire this year.
In light of that, Chris Evert's ex-husband John Lloyd expressed on the latest episode of the 'Tennis Channel Inside-In' podcast that he believes Nadal will have a "decent send-off." However, the Brit doubts the 37-year-old will reign supreme at Roland-Garros this year.
"I do think we will get a decent send-off," Lloyd said (at 33:10). "I don't think he [Rafael Nadal] is gonna come in there, obviously knows he is not injured, but he gets himself into a decent shape."
"I see him winning some matches definitely, but I don't seem him winning it [French Open 2024]," Lloyd said (at 33:22). "I don't think there's gonna be enough time to play the sort of tennis he needs to. But, I do think we will get a decent send-off from Rafa. I hope it's a really good one though."
Jimmy Connors says he is open to coaching Novak Djokovic
Earlier this week, Novak Djokovic ended his long-term partnership with coach Goran Ivanisevic after almost five successful years together. During their collaboration, the Serb won nine Grand Slam titles, among other notable achievements.
Following that, Jimmy Connors mentioned on the latest episode of the 'Advantage Connors' podcast that if Djokovic were to reach out to him, he wouldn't turn down the offer.
"I'm out of the tennis business Brett," Connors said (at 34:34). "I love doing a tennis podcast and hanging with you and talking tennis but you know, if the opportunity arose, it would certainly be a pleasure, an honor if he would even throw my name in the hat."
Danielle Collins recalls childhood memory with her father after reaching Miami Open final
On March 28, Danielle Collins secured her spot in her first WTA 1000 final at the Miami Open with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova. The American will compete against last year's runner-up, Elena Rybakina, in the championship match.
During her on-court interview following her victory over Alexandrova, Collins, who hails from Florida, reminisced about a childhood memory involving her father, Walter.
She recounted how, as a child; she expressed her desire to attend the tournament, and her father responded by saying she could do so only if she played in it herself someday.
"It’s even more special in my home state," Collins said. "My dad said to me when I was a kid, I wanted to come here so bad he’s like, ‘You’re only going if you play in the tournament.’ So I had to make the tournament. I’ve had a couple good years here but this is definitely the most memorable."
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
