Record 21-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal acknowledged there is nothing strange or weird in seeing the Big Three not winning everything anymore. Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have pretty much dominated the Grand Slam and Masters for over the last 20 years but they are winning every big tournament anymore.
This year, Daniil Medvedev fell just short after winning the Australian Open as Nadal recovered from two sets down to beat the Russian in the final. When it comes to Masters events, Carlos Alcaraz won Miami and Madrid, Stefanos Tsitsipas won Monte Carlo and Taylor Fritz made it all the way in Indian Wells.
The game is getting new champions and Nadal says it’s a “normal cycle of life.” “I’m almost 36. Novak (almost) 35; Roger 40. Normal that new players are winning titles after almost 20 years that we have achieved every single title.
For me, it’s the normal cycle of life,” Nadal told Tennis TV, as quoted on Sportskeeda.
Nadal hopes for a deep Rome run
Nadal is a record 10-time Rome champion and it’s a place where he usually plays extremely well.
Nadal, who kicked off his clay season last week in Madrid, is hoping to make a deep run in Rome and get some matches and confidence ahead of the French Open. “I’m having a very long and successful career. Rome has been one of the tournaments where I’ve had more success, (along) with Roland Garros, Barcelona and Monte Carlo.
I’ve had unforgettable moments here,” Nadal noted. Nadal was sidelined for a month and a half before kicking off his clay season in Madrid. “I try to put myself in a position to win the big matches. It’s not like a normal year that I arrive here with 2-3 titles.
I’ve (had) only one event (on clay in) Madrid without much preparation. My goal now is to reach again the highest level, if it’s possible,” Nadal concluded.
