Rafael Nadal has admitted he could retire next year, but he believes he still has some time left in the game, at 34 years of age.

“I can’t guess when I’ll retire,” Nadal told El Periodico. “Who knows if that will be the same in a year’s time.

“You cannot predict the future. I don’t know what life will bring, maybe things will happen that will make me disillusioned about what I’m doing.

“Hopefully that is not the case! Of course, to this day, I see it unlikely, but one must always be prepared because things change very quickly.

“Of course, I am not afraid of that day and, therefore, I do not consider it.

Nadal added he would know when the time was right and when his passion for training every day disappears.

“When that happens, it will be time to say I quit and start doing things that are as or more important than tennis, of course.”

Rafa Nadal after he wins 13th Roland Garros Men’s singles title. Photo: Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd/Alamy Live News

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