Rafael Nadal told he can reach 25 Grand Slams as he looks to take back French Open title

Rafael Nadal has been told he could pass Margaret Court's all-time Grand Slam record ahead of the French Open. The world No 4 broke the record for most Major titles won by a male singles player at the start of the year by winning his 21st and is now four away from surpassing Court for the all-time record.

Nadal was hoping to win a record 21st Grand Slam title at last year's French Open but his run was halted by Novak Djokovic in the semi-final. The Spaniard still managed to clinch the record in Melbourne this year and is now hoping to extend his lead in Paris by claiming the trophy back from the world No 1.

And 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova has now admitted she can see the Spaniard surpassing Court's all-time record of 24 Majors, which spans the pre-Open Era. The Australian holds the record while Serena Williams sits one behind on 23 Grand Slams, the record for the Open Era, and Nadal could supposedly surpass both to hold 25.

Asked whether it was possible for the 35-year-old to end his career with the all-time record, the retired legend told Eurosport: "It can be. He's still playing." But she also admitted she didn't know "how long it will take" the Spaniard to potentially reach the milestone, "because tennis is very exhausting".

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Nadal played just two matches for the rest of the season after losing to Djokovic in Paris, as he was sidelined by a chronic foot injury and underwent a medical procedure. The world No 4 then returned in Melbourne this year and went on a 20 match-winning streak, winning the ATP 250 there before lifting the Australian Open trophy and picking up the Acapulco title a few weeks later.

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