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Rafael Nadal of Spain works in practice ahead of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 25, 2024. /CFP
Twenty-two-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal is not sure if this year's French Open will be the last time he participates in the tournament.
Asked by a reporter on Saturday if the 2024 French Open will be his last, Nadal answered, "Don't assume that."
"It's a big, big chance that it's going to be my last Roland Garros," Nadal acknowledged, adding, "But if I have to tell you it's 100 percent my last Roland Garros? Sorry, but I will not. Because I cannot predict what's going on."
Nadal turns 38 on June 3. He has suffered too many injuries in the past two years and played very few matches. He more than once said in public that 2024 may be his final year of playing professional tennis.
Having won the French Open 14 times, Nadal failed to compete in the tournament in 2023 due to hip surgery. That was his first absence from Roland Garros since his debut in 2005. He has so far played 11 matches in 2024 and won seven of them.
Alexander Zverev of Germany attends a press conference ahead of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 24, 2024. /CFP
As a result, Nadal won't be a seeded player at the French Open that begins on Sunday. He will face the No. 4 seed, Alexander Zverev of Germany in the men's single first-round match on Monday.
"Ideally, I would have liked to play him in the later stage of the tournament, but it is how it is now. He is unseeded this year; I am seeded," Zverev said. "You know, it's a tough draw, but it's a tough draw for both of us. We'll see how it goes."
"For me, in my mind, I'm going to play peak Rafa Nadal. That's what I expect him to be. I expect him to be at his absolute best," he added. "I expect him to play the best tennis he's played in a long time on this court."
Nadal and Zverev played each other 10 times before and the Spanish veteran won seven of them, including beating the 27-year-old German opponent last time in 2022. He told reporters that his movement improved this week.
"I probably will say is the first week since I come back playing tennis that I am able to run the proper way without having a lot of limitations," Nadal said. "That encourages me."