'No One is Like Him': Tsitsipas Hails Nadal's Indomitable Fighting Spirit

| by Jamie Malachy

Stefanos Tsitsipas has spoken of his admiration for Rafael Nadal, ahead of his campaign to win the Madrid Open Masters 1000 event kicking off this week.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca ahead of his opening match in the capital, the Greek World No. 5 has declared his respect for the 22-time Grand Slam champion, labelling him "a matador".

Nadal remains absent from the ATP Tour, and has not been seen in competitive action since he limped away from the Australian Open in the second round with a hip injury.

The original prognosis was around 6- 8 weeks, but the Spaniard has now been away from the match court for over three months, having had to delay his comeback several times as he seeks new solutions to his current ailment.

Confident Tsitsipas Considers Himself 'A Candidate' Ahead of Madrid Open
Confident Tsitsipas Considers Himself 'A Candidate' Ahead of Madrid Open

His participation at this year's Roland Garros is in serious jeopardy, and he is facing a race against time to get himself match-fit for the tournament, even if he is able to overcome his injury woes.

However, 2021 French Open finalist Tsitsipas sees no reason for concern when it comes to Nadal's fighting spirit, and has offered warm words of encourage about the 14-time Roland Garros champion.

[Rafael Nadal is a] matador. He is the perfect definition of a fighter in sports and someone who never gives up. There is no one like him in this regard.

Tsitsipas on Rafael Nadal

Tsitsipas has also declared his intentions for one day achieving the World No. 1 ranking, saying that it is not something it is out of his grasp.

Being the best in the world and being World No. 1 is something that I am not going to exclude myself from because I am not satisfied with what I have achieved so far.

Tsitsipas on the World No. 1 ranking

The Greek will open his Madrid Open campaign on Friday, where is due to play either Kyle Edmund or Dominic Thiem - the latter of which would be a fascinating battle of powerful one-handed backhands.

Rafael Nadal Nearing Return According To Uncle Toni
Rafael Nadal Nearing Return According To Uncle Toni

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