Rafael Nadal embraces next-gen rise with 'I will keep fighting'

Rafael Nadal is embracing the challenge of playing against young tennis stars on the rise vowing to keep fighting.

The Spanish tennis legend has had his runs at events cut short by next-gen players several times this season. At the Australian Open, he lost to Tsitsipas, at the Monte-Carlo Masters he lost to Rublev and last week in Madrid he was bested by Zverev. For Nadal it's isn't something strange saying:

“It’s normal that after almost 20 years on the tour there is another generation that is winning tournaments. [The Big Three] have been achieving almost every single important event for the last 19 years. Nothing strange, 100 per cent ready to accept that. But I'm going to keep fighting for things.”

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For Nadal, there are a few reasons behind the rise of the next-gen. Asked what contributed to the dip in performance by the top three he said:

"First thing is that we are missing events. The second thing there is a new generation of players that are good. I think we are 33, 34, 39. That's something usual that nothing is forever. You need to be ready to accept that and let's see what's going on.”

Nadal's most important goal is to retain his Roland Garros trophy and when asked about a potential next-gen winner Nadal said:

“Let's see in three weeks or in four weeks. I don't know. It was not the case yet, but why not? Hopefully not. Anything can happen.”

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His first match at the Rome Masters will be against native Jannik Sinner and that match has garnered a lot of interest and for good reason. They know each other's game well and have practiced extensively during the Australian Open together. On the match Nadal said:

"I try my best every single day, doesn't matter the opponent. Tomorrow I need to play well, of course. I know he's playing well. I know he's going to be excited about the match. So am I.”