Uncle Toni Nadal predicts two venues that nephew Rafael may play final match before retirement from tennis

Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach Toni Nadal has predicted two venues where the 36-year-old could play the last match of his career.

The older Nadal also suggested that his nephew may find it difficult to step away from the sport while he is close to his peak.

The veteran 22-time Grand Slam winner has curtailed his involvement in tennis in recent seasons, and at the end of 2022 he suggested that he would no longer compete in Mexico as he looks to preserve his body for the remaining years of his career.

He has been out of action with an injury since losing to American player Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open in January but hopes to be fit for the clay season if the problem with his left hip can be resolved.

Nadal has won the Madrid Open five times, and will aim for his 15th Roland-Garros title in June, assuming he is fit.

“In Madrid or at Roland Garros,” he said. “The time will come and he will decide. When you lift a trophy you convince yourself that you still have something to give.

“It’s hard to retire winning. I think Sampras did it. I haven’t talked about that with Rafa. I don’t know how much it fits him. If he fully recovers, let him keep playing and we’ll see.”

A win for Nadal at the French Open would take him ahead of Novak Djokovic on 23 Grand Slam wins.

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