"Can't rest on your laurels" - Jimmy Connors feels Taylor Fritz needs to aim for Grand Slams and higher rankings as American breaks into the ATP Top 5
American tennis legend Jimmy Connors expressed his desire to see Taylor Fritz set loftier goals for himself after breaking into the top 5 of the ATP rankings. He gave his views on the 'Advantage Connors' podcast, which he hosts alongside his son Brett Connors.
Taylor Fritz won his fifth ATP title at the Delray Beach Open and will reach a career-high ranking of World No. 5. He will become the first American to reach the top 5 of the ATP rankings since Andy Roddick in 2009.
Brett Connors asked his father Jimmy what it was like to see an American high up in the rankings after such a long drought. Jimmy Connors said that he was glad to see Taylor Fritz reaching new heights. He commented on how winning the Delray Beach title and breaking into the ATP top 5 will be huge confidence builders for the American.
"It's a huge confidence builder for him to know that he is the first American in the top 5 since Roddick," Jimmy Connors said.
The eight-time Grand Slam champion said that it had to be a good feeling for Fritz to be the one to end the 14 year long wait. He added that it was important for Fritz to keep working hard to keep the ball rolling in the upcoming tournaments.
"Now keep that roll going and keep going out and keep grinding and working on your game," the 70-year-old said.
Jimmy Connors advised Taylor Fritz to continue striving for higher goals despite his recent success in reaching the ATP top 5 rankings. Connors stated that Fritz should not become complacent and must find ways to maintain his position and improve further. He encouraged Fritz to aim for higher rankings and Grand Slam titles.
"Can't rest on your laurels," Jimmy Connors said.
He pushed the 25-year-old to continue taking his game to the next level.
"You broke into the top 5, what's it going to take to get to 3 or 2 or 1 or win a Grand Slam?," he added.
Jimmy Connors detailed his own experience with setting big goals for himself to work towards when he was on tour.
"My whole year was geared toward what was it going to take to be mentally and physically to go into the US Open with one thing on my mind and that was winning," the American said.
He emphasized the importance of setting big goals and working hard to achieve them.
"It's good to set a goal, whether two weeks in front or six months," Connors added.
Brett Connors says he's interested to see Taylor Fritz defending his points at Indian Wells
Taylor Fritz defeated Rafael Nadal to win his first Masters 1000 title at the Indian Wells Masters in 2022.
Brett Connors said it was good to see an American player achieving success. He commended Fritz on winning four ATP titles in two years.
"He's been kind of steadily buiding," he said.
He added that he was looking forward to seeing how the World No. 5 went about defending all his points from 2022, especially at the Indian Wells Masters since he wouldn't be the underdog this time around.
"I'm interested to see how he plays defending those points since he's not going to sneak up on anyone at Indian Wells this year coming as the defending champion," Connors said.