Nadal not ‘closing door’ on extending career

Rafael Nadal still cannot say “100%” if he is playing the French Open for a final time – but it remains a “big chance” it will be.

Nadal, a record 14-time men’s champion at Roland Garros, previously said he expected to retire later in 2024.

The former world number one missed last year’s clay-court Grand Slam through injury and has barely played over the past 18 month.

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But Nadal, who turns 38 on 3 June, has been encouraged by his form and fitness in recent weeks.

Now ranked 276th in the world, Nadal has only played 11 matches since January 2023 because of hip and abdominal injuries.