AO 2021: I am gonna keep fighting – Rafael Nadal after loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas

The World No. 2 Rafael Nadal was knocked out from the ongoing Australian Open 2021 when he lost to Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas by 3-6, 2-6, 7-6, 6-4, 7-5. Nadal blazed through the first two sets against the youngster but Tsitsipas made a roaring comeback into the final three sets to seal his place in the semi-finals against Daniil Medvedev.

The youngster came up with strong backhands and Nadal had no answers to his returns. In fact, Tsitsipas became the second player in the slam history of 225 matches to defeat Rafael Nadal after he was two sets down.

Reflecting on his heart-breaking loss, Nadal said he is not the guy who makes excuses. The quarantine period has been tough on the players but Nadal didn’t blame it for his loss. The Spaniard also had back issues before his quarterfinal clash but he doesn’t want to make any excuses. Nadal added that he is going to keep fighting for his 21st slam and life moves on.

Nadal is known for his fighting attitude and the same was palpable in the quarter-final clash against Tsitsipas. The Greek was a better player on the day and Nadal admitted the same in the post-match press conference.

“We can find excuses or reasons or maybe this quarantine that we need to be more time in the room than usual, yes, maybe. But, I am not the guy that I gonna find excuses on that or gonna complain about what happened,” insisted the AO 2009 champion, having contested with a niggling back problem. 

“Just accept. I never considered myself an unlucky person at all. Doesn’t matter the injuries that I had. I think I am a very lucky person. 

“The only thing that I can do is just keep going. I put myself in a position even the challenges that I faced that I was in quarterfinals with two sets up, close to be in that semifinals. So have been a chance lost, yes, but life continues. I hope to keep having chances. Well, I gonna keep fighting for it.” 

Nadal added that you have to expect the best from the opponent as Tsitsipas is one of the best players in the world. Tsitsipas will face Daniil Medvedev in the semifinal at the Rod Laver Arena on Friday. Novak Djokovic has already qualified for the final of the Australian Open as he defeated Aslan Karatsev in straight sets by 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.