Rafael Nadal issues statement on how likely it is that he'll be retiring in 2024

• Tennis News
• Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal reveals he is "pretty convinced" the 2024 season is going to be his last year on the Tour but also highlighted that he is not closing the doors on the possibility of playing beyond 2024. In May, 37-year-old Nadal - who is currently recovering from an injury on his psoas muscle - announced his intention to retire from pro tennis next year.

"Let's see. I think it's going to be my last year. I'm pretty convinced. Although, at the same time, at this point, at the end of September, I don't know. What can happen? If suddenly things are working very well, I feel fine physically, my head usually works.

If I feel competitive and enjoy what I do, why would I limit myself? I can't say 100%. What do I think my last year is going to be? I'm saying it, I think it's going to be my last year. What is it going to be 100%? I can't say for sure either because things can always happen and I don't want to say one thing 100% and then they say, you said such a thing, because I'm not 100% sure.

Now, if I had to bet, I'd say it's my last year," Nadal told Diario AS.

Nadal hopes to be ready for the start of the 2024 season

On June 2nd, Nadal surgically addressed his psoas muscle injury.

The following day, Nadal shared an update to his fans, revealing that he was told by the doctors the estimated recovery for his surgery was five months. If everything goes well, Nadal should be ready to play at the start of the 2024 season and compete at the Australian Open.

Earlier this week, Nadal told Movistar he is not really expecting himself to win the Australian Open and French Open next year. For Nadal, the main priority at the moment is to return to being healthy and to at least be competitive again.