Watch: Rafael Nadal steadfast about playing at French Open after Rome exit

Another clay-court event bid farewell to Rafael Nadal after his second round exit at the Rome Masters on Saturday.

Nadal lost to Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets 1-6, 3-6 but the defeat did not deter the Spaniard from remaining steadfast on his goal for the rest of the season.

Addressing the press after his match, Nadal asserted that he will try to be there at the Roland Garros in two weeks' time.

'If in my mind, if it's closer one way or the other way, I going to say, be in Roland-Garros and try my best. Of course, physically, I have some issues. But, not probably yet enough to say not playing in the most important event of my tennis career,' Nadal said.

He added, 'So let's see what's going on, how I feel myself mentally tomorrow, after tomorrow and then one week and if I feel ready, I'm going to try to be there and fight for for the things that I have been fighting the last 15 years. If (I decide) now seems impossible.'

The 37-year-old has won the French Open fourteen times in his career, a record unmatched across Grand Slams.

Nadal is expected to retire from tennis sometime in 2024.