"Rafael Nadal has never complained about anything, it is something really special" - Jannik Sinner on being inspired by Spaniard's 'fighting spirit'

Jannik Sinner recently revealed that Rafael Nadal's determination, resilience on the court, and 'fighting spirit' inspires him.

Sinner is currently in Madrid, competing at the 2024 Madrid Open. Seeded first, he kicked off his campaign in the second round after receiving a first-round bye. The World No.2 defeated his compatriot Lorenzo Sonego with a score of 6-0, 6-3 in just one hour and nine minutes in his opening match to advance to the third round, where he will face Russian Pavel Kotov.

Following his second-round win, while speaking to the press, Jannik Sinner talked about his admiration for Rafael Nadal, pointing out the contributions the Spaniard has made to tennis.

The World No.2 praised Nadal's "different mentality," his approach to training sessions and matches, as well as his tactical prowess in moving through challenging situations

The Italian also wished for Rafael Nadal's continued success and good health. He also stated that he hopes for the former World No.1 to achieve all his goals before bidding farewell to tennis.

"Rafa has given a lot to the sport. A different mentality, how to approach training sessions, matches, how to get out of complicated situations, it always makes me very happy to see him. Now he is different, he is a father, his family comes with him. I wish him everything better, I hope his body continues to function as much as possible. I am sure he will do what it takes," Sinner said as quoted by Punto de Break (translated from Spanish).

Jannik Sinner also stated that defeating Rafael Nadal on clay courts is one of the "complicated challenges" in tennis. He said that the 22-time Grand Slam champion has always been a source of inspiration for him and that he especially admires the Spaniard's "fighting spirit" and his refusal to complain about any obstacles he faces.

"You can see that the intensity with which he trains and plays is still high. Beating him on clay is one of the most complicated challenges in our sport. "For me he has always been an inspiration because of his fighting spirit, he has never complained about anything, it is something really special," he added.

Jannik Sinner and Rafael Nadal have moved to third round at Madrid Open 2024

Jannik Sinner at the 2024 Mutua Madrid Open

Both Jannik Sinner and Rafael Nadal have advanced to the third round of the 2024 Madrid Open.

Sinner is having a brilliant 2024 season. He began the year by winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open and followed it up with title wins at the ABN AMRO Open and the Miami Open.

As the top seed at an ATP Masters 1000 event for the first time, the World No.2 will be looking to claim his first Madrid Open title. Jannik Sinner began his campaign by defeating fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the second round to set up a third-round match against Pavel Kotov.

Meanwhile, five-time Madrid Open champion Rafael Nadal kicked off his campaign with a dominant 6-1, 6-0 victory over 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch, followed by a hard-fought 7-6(6), 6-3 win against Australian Alex de Minaur in the first and second rounds, respectively. Nadal will face Argentine Pedro Cachin in the third round.