Italian tennis ace Jannik Sinner has talked about the influence Rafael Nadal has had on different generations of players over his career.
As the 22-time Grand Slam champion gets closer to hanging up his racket, Sinner was asked about what impact Nadal had on his career and the Italian came up with a great answer.
The 22-year-old mentioned the dedication and discipline Nadal has exhibited over the years. Sinner also mentioned the Spaniard’s mentality that has helped him win titles. He said that these traits shown by Nadal have only helped the players to become better.
First of all, Rafa has given so much to the sport, no? A different mentality, how to approach practice sessions, how to approach matches, how to come out from difficult situation, and I'm always very happy to see him. Jannik Sinner said about Rafael Nadal.
Jannik Sinner is a fan of Rafael Nadal’s fighting spirit
Jannik Sinner then talked about Rafael Nadal‘s influence on his game in particular. The Italian ace said that he has admired Nadal’s fighting spirit and how he has not complained about anything. Sinner says that he is a fan of such a spirit.
For me, he has always been a big inspiration, because the fighting spirit he had throughout the whole career until now and never complaining about anything, I think that's something really special. Jannik Sinner said.
Sinner also addressed the talks around this season being Nadal’s last. He analyzed how the 37-year-old is still pushing hard and making his opponents run for their money. Sinner event went on to claim that it might not be the last time Nadal is playing.
You can see that intensity when he practices and when he plays, it’s still very high. To beat him on clay, it's one of the toughest if not the toughest challenge you have in our sport...So, you know, let's see if it's the last match. If it's not, nobody knows. It's only he and his body will know. I cannot talk more, because I don't know more (smiling). Jannik Sinner said.
Notably, Nadal has made great advances in Madrid as he has reached the third round. The 37-year-old stunned everyone as he beat Alex de Minaur in the second round of the ATP 1000 event. He next faces Pedro Cochin in the third round.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion who is fondly known as the ‘King of Clay‘ is gaining momentum at the perfect time. With the 2024 French Open approaching and the Paris Olympics also lined up after that, it is to be seen if Nadal manages to make it a memorable farewell.
More must-reads: