Tennis News Today: Andre Agassi’s ex-coach reacts to Roger Federer practicing with his agent’s son; Chris Evert’s ex-husband John Lloyd thinks Rafael Nadal won’t win French Open 2024

Brad Gilbert, the former coach of Andre Agassi, responded to the news of Roger Federer practicing with Nico Godsick, the son of his agent. John Lloyd, the ex-husband of Chris Evert, made a bold statement that Rafael Nadal would not emerge victorious at the French Open in 2024.

After his split with ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic, Jimmy Connors expressed his willingness to coach Novak Djokovic. In the same vein, Danielle Collins reached the final of the Miami Open and reminisced about a childhood memory with her father.

To summarize, here is a brief overview of the most significant news stories from today:

Brad Gilbert’s Thoughts on Roger Federer’s Practice with Nico Godsick

Recently, Roger Federer had a practice session with his agent Tony Godsick and Nico, the son of former WTA pro Mary Joe Fernandez. Nico is currently a member of Stanford University’s intercollegiate tennis team.

Despite not being a well-known player, Nico showcased his skills by reaching the main draw of doubles at the 2022 US Open. He achieved this feat after partnering with Ethan Quinn and winning the doubles event at the USTA Boys 18s National Championship earlier in the year. Although they were ultimately defeated in the second round by Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic, Nico and Quinn put up a strong fight at Flushing Meadows.

Following the viral video of Federer giving a tour of Stanford University’s campus to Nico on X (previously known as Twitter), Brad Gilbert, former coach of Andre Agassi, also took to the same social media platform to share his reaction. He wrote:

“so cool 😎 for Nico @StanfordTennis.”

John Lloyd predicts Rafael Nadal won’t take home French Open title in 2024

Despite his strong start at the Brisbane International in January, Rafael Nadal was forced to take a break from competitive tennis due to a minor hip injury. This injury ultimately resulted in his withdrawal from the Australian Open, as well as his decision to pull out of both the Indian Wells and Miami Open tournaments.

The Spaniard’s return is anticipated at the Monte-Carlo Masters (April 6-14). He has also expressed his desire to compete at the French Open (May 20-June 9) and Paris Olympics (July 26-August 11), after previously suggesting that he may retire this year.

Despite this, on the latest episode of the ‘Tennis Channel Inside-In’ podcast, Chris Evert’s ex-husband John Lloyd shared his belief that Nadal will have a “decent send-off.”Nevertheless, the Brit has doubts that the 37-year-old will emerge victorious at this year’s Roland-Garros.

“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.”

Novak Djokovic considering hiring Jimmy Connors as coach

This week, Novak Djokovic terminated his long-standing partnership with coach Goran Ivanisevic after nearly five highly successful years working together. Throughout their partnership, the Serbian tennis player earned nine Grand Slam titles, along with other notable accomplishments.

After that, Jimmy Connors stated on the most recent installment of the ‘Advantage Connors’ podcast that he would not decline the offer if Djokovic were to reach out to him.

“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.”

“Father-Daughter Bond: Danielle Collins Reflects on Childhood Memory After Making it to Miami Open Final”

On March 28, Danielle Collins dominated Ekaterina Alexandrova with a score of 6-3, 6-2, earning her a spot in her first WTA 1000 final at the Miami Open. She will face last year’s runner-up, Elena Rybakina, in the upcoming championship match.

During her post-match interview after defeating Alexandrova, Collins, a Florida native, fondly recalled a childhood memory involving her father, Walter.

As a child, she shared her wish to attend the tournament with her father. He replied that she could only go if she participated in it herself one day.

“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.”