Rafael “Rafa” Nadal is facing World No. 22 Marin Cilic at the US Open round of 16 on Monday.
The tennis stars have both enjoyed career-defining moments at the New York-based tennis tournament.
World No. 2 Nadal is a three-time champion at this event, while Cilic captured his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2014.
The 33-year-old Spaniard beat Korea’s Hyeon Chung on Saturday in just under two hours and will now enter the fourth round of the tournament.
Nadal said: “I am happy to be where I am. I’m in the fourth round and that’s the main thing.
“Now is the moment to push, to make a step forward if I want to give me a chance to fight for the important things. That’s what I’m going to try [to do].”
Away from the tennis court, the World No. 2 has also made headlines.
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Rafa has been in a relationship with girlfriend Maria Francisca “Xisca” Perello for 12 years, but unlike other tennis stars, they do not have any children.
Other tennis legends including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have all got married and had at least one child each.
The couple has explained why they have chosen not to get married or had any children yet.
Nadal told Marca: “I keep my commitment with tennis and my happiness.
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“I enjoy both in tennis and outside it. I have a girlfriend too and I am not alone to take decisions.
“You have to suit situations. Having family? I don’t know, things are not easy to be predicted.
“At this age, I thought that I would have already been a former player and that I would have started a family.”
Nadal has, however, previously admitted he would like to have up to three children.
Asked how he sees himself within ten years, Nadal replied: “As a young guy, I thought that at 30 I would already have retired and instead I am still here.
“The only thing I know is that I will have a family.”
Nadal’s girlfriend Xisca is also busy with work, as the Projects Direction for her boyfriend’s charity the Rafael Nadal Foundation.
Besides managing the day to day activities of the foundation, the 31-year-old Spanish beauty is actively involved in reaching out to communities and youths in need.