Rafael Nadal sheds light on potential farewell Tour; gives insights on Novak Djokovic's Grand Slam record

Rafael Nadal, who has been out of action since the Australian Open in January 2023, has made major revelations in a lengthy interview with Spanish outlet Movistar Plus.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion is slated to return to court in 2024 and had earlier stated that it will be his farewell tour.

However, in the interview, Nadal said, 'If I were to tell you that 2024 will be my last year... who knows. What if suddenly my body recovers, and I feel strong and full of energy to continue? As soon as I know the answer, I will share it. I live day by day.'

The 37-year-old gently also let down fans who are expecting him to return and win Grand Slams next year.

'I would like to play again, to be competitive. But I'm not expecting to come back and win Roland Garros or Australia, so that people are not disoriented,' he stated.

For him, he said, winning Grand Slams is a distant idea but not impossible.

But, even if he does not go past Novak Djokovic, who recently won his 24th Grand Slam, he would not be frustrated, Nadal revealed.

'I am not frustrated for a simple reason - because I believe that within my possibilities I have done everything possible to make things go as well as possible for me. With 22 grand slams, you cannot live frustrated.'

And then he went on to make a startling statement about longtime rival Novak Djokovic.

'I think Djokovic lives it in a more intense way. For him, it would have been a greater frustration not to achieve it,' the former World No. 1 said.

At 24 wins, Djokovic currently holds the most number of Grand Slam titles by any male player in the Open Era.