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Rafael Nadal reveals why he struggled to play aggressive against Jannik Sinner at 2021 French Open

Originally posted on HITC | By Liam Llewellyn | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 9:55 AM ET

Rafael Nadal rarely had trouble handling his opponents during his time on the ATP Tour, which isn’t surprising for a player with 22 Grand Slam titles.

The Spanish bull played the best of the previous generation, defeating the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray.

Now it’s a different group leading the way, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner taking control at the top of men’s tennis.

Nadal faced this new generation a few times toward the end of his career, including an early meeting with Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros in 2021.

After coming out on top against Sinner that day, Nadal pointed out something he felt he wasn’t able to do during their match.

Nadal Reflects on his match against Sinner

Nadal ended up beating Sinner in straight sets but said afterwards that he couldn’t get comfortable trying to attack early in rallies.

“You can’t always go on all out attack,” Nadal said. “When I try to play very aggressively against him (Sinner), things don’t go my way.”

Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images

Sinner has since climbed all the way to World No. 1 and even reached another Grand Slam final at this year’s French Open. It looks like Nadal spotted something early on that many others would come to notice later. {{LINK}}

Rafael Nadal admitted he ‘couldn’t make too many mistakes’ against Jannik Sinner

Rafael Nadal faced Jannik Sinner during the 2021 French Open, still very much at the height of his career and coming off a title defence from the year before.

It was their third and final meeting on tour, with Nadal taking it in straight sets 7-5 6-3 6-0. Even so, he had praise for Sinner’s performance.

Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images

The Spaniard’s comments highlighted a quality that would later become central to Sinner’s game: his consistency.

Speaking after the match, Nadal said: “He is young, he is improving every week. He has big shots. I needed to be solid and aggressive. I can’t make too many mistakes [against someone like him]. I knew it was the fourth round – you can’t expect an easy opponent at that stage.”

How Rafael Nadal and Jannik Sinner’s head-to-head record looks

Sinner, who recently joined Nadal on an exclusive list after winning Wimbledon, was congratulated by the Spaniard for his latest achievement.

On X [Twitter], Nadal said: “Congratulations Jannik Sinner on your first Wimbledon title! Special moments!”

Congratulazioni @janniksin per il tuo primo @Wimbledon ! Momenti speciali!

Sé que no será un día fácil, pero… ¡Enhorabuena @carlosalcaraz por otra nueva final de Grand Slam y por la gran temporada que estás haciendo! https://t.co/rib2ntsws7
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) July 13, 2025

“I know it won’t be an easy day, but… Congratulations Carlos Alcaraz on another Grand Slam final and for the great season you’re having!”

Sinner is just one French Open victory away from completing the career Grand Slam. The 22-time Grand Slam champion may have some competition in a few years.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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