“Going to Keep Fighting”: Rafael Nadal Ready to Battle Against Next-Gens for More Grand Slams

Spanish World No. 3 Rafael Nadal will play his last tournament at the Italian Open 2021 before the French Open. Despite failing in the previous two Masters 1000 events, he is optimistic about defending his title in Paris.

In 2021, the big three of tennis haven’t reached the final in any of the three Masters 1000 events. While this might be strange for the fans, it didn’t come as a surprise to the 20-time Grand Slam champion from Mallorca.

Instead, he insisted that the time is ripe for the new generation players to win at such events. The Masters 1000 winners of the year were Hubert Hurkacz at the Miami Masters, Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Monte-Carlo Masters, and Alexander Zverev at the Madrid Masters.

“It is normal that after almost 20 years on the [ATP] tour, there is another generation that are winning tournaments. We have been achieving almost every single important event for the last 19 years,” Nadal said.

In the Big 3’s defense, the 34-year-old explained that Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and he are missing more tournaments now. He added that they need to accept that nothing is forever.

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Rafael Nadal accepts next-generation challenge at French Open 2021

Rafael Nadal, 34, is a four-time consecutive and record 13-time winner at the Roland Garros. He is looking forward to adding one more title to that list to continue his love affair in Paris.

While the Spaniard accepted that the big three haven’t won any Masters in 2021 yet, he also revealed that he would not stop. Moreover, he is aiming to make the lives of the new-generation players tough on French soil.

“Nothing strange. 100% ready to accept that. But I am going to keep fighting,” the Spaniard added. “That means that in three weeks, there is another Grand Slam that I like to play. I am going to fight to try to play well there.”

Read More: “Sorry for Screaming”: Novak Djokovic Displays Sportsmanship Spirit, Apologizes to Chair Umpire for Outburst at Italian Open 2021

Nadal’s road at the Italian Open 2021

The record nine-time Italian Open champion will face 19-year-old Italian Jannik Sinner in his opening match. Although he is wary of Sinner’s opponent’s improving game, Nadal is waiting to show his best in return.

Furthermore, Nadal might also meet his Madrid Open quarterfinals opponent and eventual winner Alexander Zverev in Rome. With a tough draw ahead in Italy, Rafa will aim at testing himself to the core. Only time will tell what he can achieve this year.

Do you think Nadal can win the Italian Open 2021?

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