Rafael Nadal on Sunday left the door open to continuing his world-beating career indefinitely but admitted after training at the Brisbane International that he could be starting his last appearance in Australia.
The 37-year-old is due for an injury return to the court after last playing nearly a year ago in a second-round defeat at the Australian Open.
“I can’t predict what’s going on 100 percent in the future,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion said.
“That’s why I say ‘probably’ (his last season). It’s obvious it’s a high percentage that it’s going to be my last time playing here in Australia.
“But if I am here next year, don’t tell me, ‘You said it was going to be your last season’, because I didn’t say it.
“You never know what’s going on, you know? I can’t predict how I’m going to be in the next six months.
“I can’t predict if my body will allow me to enjoy tennis as much as I enjoyed the past 20 years. I know inside myself that it is a high percentage that it’s going to be my last one.
“Of course I was asking myself (about retirement), but at some point I decided to keep going. I had the determination to keep going.”
Nadal learned the name of his opening-round opponent, with the Spaniard lined up to face former US open winner Dominic Thiem.
The Austrian who has also suffered in recent seasons with injury, came through qualifying – including winning a match where one of Australia’s many poisonous snakes had to be removed from the court area, interrupting play.
Nadal will be using Brisbane as a test bed for what will hopefully be a smooth entry into the Open which begins January 14 in Melbourne.
“I don’t have the expectations that I used to have in the past. “It’s obvious, no? For me it is a little bit unpredictable how things are going to be.”
Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…
Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…
Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…
Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…
Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…
Wimbledon on Wednesday brought an end to human linecalling at the most traditional of the…