Rafael Nadal admitted he’d be surprised if he was still playing competitive tennis at the same age as Roger Federer but would not rule out the possibility of extending his career for another five years.

The 31-year-old was crowned as the oldest year-end world No. 1 after winning both the French Open and the US Open in 2017, with Federer finishing the season in second spot with Wimbledon and Australian Open titles to his name.

Federer’s achievements have been all the more remarkable considering he’s 36 years of age and his Spanish rival was quizzed on whether he would be able to continue his career into his late 30s.



‘I’m not thinking about that,’ he told AS. ‘Everyone has their path and they are all different.


‘I think that what is good for one person isn’t necessarily good for someone else. I’m 31 and the 37th birthday Federer is going to celebrate for me is a long way off.

‘I just concentrate on my day-to-day and I doubt he was thinking down those lines six years ago. It depends on your fitness and your mind and where you want to go.

‘When I was 26 I didn’t think about whether I’d still be playing at 31. And right now I can’t see myself playing at the same age as Federer. But you never know, because it’s all down to fitness, having the enthusiasm to carry on playing and being prepared to do so.’

Federer enjoyed a fine season (Picture: Getty)

Nadal remains three Grand Slam titles behind the Swiss heading into 2018 and insists he’s not driven by overtaking the 19-time major winner’s haul.

‘At Grand Slam level I wouldn’t say so; he still has three more, which is a lot,’ he added.

‘It’s not something I think about anyway. I’m happy with what I’m doing and if things go well and that opportunity presents itself, then great.

‘But when I hang up the racquets having overtaken Roger, if it happens, it won’t give me more satisfaction in my career.’