Rafael Nadal begins his Madrid Open campaign against 16-year-old Darwin Blanch.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic (Image via: Imago)

Despite being away from tennis for eleven months last year and over two months this year, Rafael Nadal believes things haven’t changed much in tennis. With Novak Djokovic still No. 1 at 36, this is proof of the Spanish legend claim.

For context, for the majority of last year, it was only Carlos Alcaraz who competed with Djokovic in the ATP and Grand Slams. The entrance of Jannik Sinner brought more belief among the young players that the Serbian could be stopped after winning three major titles last season.

This season, Djokovic has been fighting to win a title, but the younger generation of players seems not to be letting him. Sinner was the first player to beat at the Australian Open, then an Italian youngster Lucas Nardi in the Indian Wells Masters.

After missing two tournaments, the 36-year-old returned to Monte Carlo but was stopped by 25-year-old Casper Ruud.

However, despite not winning anything yet this season, Djokovic still sits as World No. 1 and has reached two semifinals this season.

I don't know, no idea. Of course, they are an amazing players, but at the same time, if we put in perspective that, Novak Djokovic, won three or four grand slams and played the final on another one. I mean, he is from my generation and still having a lot of success.

Rafael Nadal said via Tennis TV

The competitiveness among the younger generation does not seem to bother him, as he has always shown why he is the best among them. That has led Rafael Nadal to believe that Djokovic stands far ahead of Sinner and Alcaraz.

So of course, they're (Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz) doing amazing things but on the other hand a player from my generation and similar is still having a lot of success.

Continuing further, he added

Djokovic has withdrawn from the Madrid Open despite being the top seed but will likely feature at the French Open, which starts May 26.

Rafael Nadal not optimistic about playing at the French Open if he doesn’t feel capable of playing

Despite this season being Rafael Nadal’s final Tour, he looks likely not to feature at the Roland Garros this year. The Spanish legend revealed recently that he will only play at the French Open if he feels capable of competing.
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

If I was in Paris today, I wouldn't go out to play I don't think I'll be able to play at 100 percent but it's important to be able to play for the last time in Madrid. It means a lot to me to play on this court where I've had some great moments.

Rafael Nadal said

The French Open record winner has withdrawn from three Masters and one Grand Slam event, despite being in his last year before retirement.