After earning an emotional four-set win over arch-rival Novak Djokovic to reach another French Open semi-final, Rafael Nadal has confessed that the end of his storied career could be in sight.
While keeping away from any timeline, the Spaniard who turns 36 on Friday dropped the hint that every match in Paris at the event he has won 13 times is more and more precious to him.
With mounting physical problems – including a chronic foot problem for which doctors can only mitigate – never cure – Nadal must choose his words carefully.
“I don’t know what can happen,” he said after defeating Djokovic in nearly four and a half hours to reach the Paris final four.
“I’m playing this tournament because we are doing the things to be ready to play this tournament – but I don’t know what’s gonna happen after here.
“I have what I have there in the foot, so if we are not able to find an improvement or a small solution for that, then it’s becoming super difficult for me, no.
“So that’s it.”
The 21-time Grand Slam champion who has pulled away from chasing Novak and Roger Federer in the all-time record books, said that for now he is still fully engaged in his sport.
“I am old enough to not hide things or say a thing that I don’t believe.
“I’m just enjoying every day that I have the chance to be here, and without thinking much about what can happen in the future, no.
“Of course I’m gonna keep fighting to find a solution for that, but for the moment, we haven’t.
“I’ve given myself a chance to play another semi-final here in Roland Garros (and that’s) a lot of energy for me.”
Main photo:- An emotional Rafa Nadal after beating Novak Djokovic in quarter final – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
