Rafael Nadal backed by Boris Becker as Spaniard makes "level of fighting" remark while addressing next steps after Barcelona Open

Rafael Nadal's positive outlook and his belief in gradually elevating "the level of fighting" was recently backed by Boris Becker.

Nadal made a second-round exit at the 2024 Barcelona Open after a 5-7, 1-6 loss to Alex De Minaur on Wednesday, April 17. This was only his second tournament this season after a Brisbane International quarterfinal run.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion viewed his Barcelona Open performance as a step towards building his game.

“I am leaving convinced that I have taken a step forward, it was not today where I had to be well, where I had to leave everything and die for it," Nadal said as per puntodebreak.com.

Considering his injury woes, Rafael Nadal unsurprisingly prioritized his fitness heading towards what might be his final French Open. While addressing his next steps, he echoed the same fighting spirit he is known for on the court.

"On a logical level, the idea is to progress, but I'm not talking about winning games, but rather at the level of fighting for things. In Madrid do a little better, in Rome a little more... and in Paris let it be whatever God wants. That's the time to try it," he added.

Boris Becker took to social media to agree with the former World No. 1's sentiments.

"Word," Becker reacted to Nadal's comments on X.

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Rafael Nadal's sentiments on playing his last Barcelona Open

Rafael Nadal in action at the 2024 Barcelona Open

Rafael Nadal is a legend at the Barcelona Open, having won the title on his home soil a record 12 times.

Before he left the center court (named after him) after his second-round exit in this year's edition of the event, the crowd was on its feet for the Spaniard. They cheered and applauded the 'King of Clay' as he waved back and took his final bow at the Barcelona Open.

Nadal later reflected on his journey at the event over the years and expressed his gratitude to the club.

"I can only say thank you for the treatment I received from all the people of this club. I will continue on my path, this is tennis, generations go by of course, others will come, but there is no player more important than tournaments," Nadal said as per puntodebreak.com.

"I've been lucky enough to write a beautiful story in this tournament, a story that hasn't been written before, but others will come to try to surpass it," he added.

Nadal is likely to compete at the Madrid Open scheduled from April 22- May 5.