Rafael Nadal is having a great 2022 season. At 36, the Spanish legend has defied age to contest for the top honors this year. He won back-to-back Grand Slam titles in Melbourne and Paris, putting on an astonishing display of tennis. Moreover, fans have been in awe of his never-say-die attitude and fighting spirit.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion is currently in New York to participate in the US Open. He has reached the fourth round of the tournament and is looking to claim his third major title this season. Before his pre-quarterfinal match, Nadal opened up about the longevity of his illustrious career.

Rafael Nadal admits that age is catching up with him

During an interview at the ongoing US Open, the Spaniard talked about the emergence of young players while admitting, he, along with the likes of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are turning older.

Talking about this, he said, “You know, it’s great that we are having an amazing player like Carlos now, it’s fantastic. But it’s true, we need more and more players because we’re used to having a lot of players on the Tour and in some way, me, very old… We are getting older.”

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However, the interviewer interrupted him, saying, “You’re not very old and you’re still here.”

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Responding hilariously to the interviewer’s comment, Nadal said, “Well…still alive.. That’s of course, still playing tennis (laughs). Something that makes me feel happy and yeah, of course, I never have been in, it’s difficult to explain, but from my heart, I don’t feel old, but of course, when things happen to your body, you know, you say, ok, I don’t know for how long I’m going to be here but if I am still happy playing tennis as long as I can.”

Nadal faces Frances Tiafoe at the US Open

Later today, Nadal will take on Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round of the 2022 US Open. Tiafoe is looking in great touch in this tournament and is yet to drop a set. However, the American has come up short in the two matches that he has played the legendary Spaniard. In both meetings, Nadal secured an easy straight-set victory.

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Moreover, the home crowd will be behind him as he faces Nadal. It’ll be interesting to see if Nadal can dig deep in this tournament.