‘That is my situation now’ – Rafael Nadal drops latest retirement hint after five-set win at French Open

Rafael Nadal admits that his body could implode at any time as the Spanish great dropped more retirement hints at the French Open. The 35-year-old drew on all his battling qualities to see off Felix Auger-Aliassime in a terrific five-set match on Sunday to book a quarter-final showdown with old foe Novak Djokovic at Roland-Garros. Ad/> However his preparation for the clay-court Grand Slam was interrupted due to his chronic foot problem, with Nadal suggesting his days at the top are numbered.

/> Roland-Garros'Extraordinary!' — Nadal clinches famous victory over Auger-Aliassime at French Open14 HOURS AGO “I am in the quarter finals of Roland-Garros,” Nadal told a press conference following his win over Auger-Aliassime. “I am just enjoying the fact I am here for one more year. “Being honest, every match that I play here I do not know if it will be the last match here in Roland-Garros in my tennis career.

That is my situation now. “I went through a tough process again with my foot. I do not know what will happen in the near future with my career, so I am just trying to enjoy and fight as much as I can to keep living the dream.

“I hope to give myself a chance to play at the highest level possible and then let’s see.” 'I hope I can get a seat' — Wilander counting down the hours to Djokovic v Nadal clash 'It is incredible' — Wilander stunned by Nadal's problem-solving abilities Nadal moved ahead of Djokovic and Roger Federer at the top of the men’s all-time charts with his 21st Slam at the Australian Open in January despite his injury torment. He had not played a competitive tournament in five months prior to touching down in Melbourne and said he had doubts “every single day” about whether he would ever play again. In the