Until three years ago, seeing Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer facing each other in the late stages of ATP 500s, Masters 1000s or Grand Slams was very usual. On Monday at the US Open, they will face off for the 31th time in career, but it will be clearly different than the past as Ferrer has now left the top 100 rankings and he is approaching to play his last tournaments as professional.

'It will be my last US Open, without any doubt', the 36-year-old said. 'But I have the luck to face Rafa on Central Court and for me it's a prize. At the beginning when I saw it I smiled and turned happy, tennis gave me another gift.' Asked if they spoke each other in the last hours, Ferrer said they just laughed.

'In Toronto I told him about my plans, and here after the match regardless of who the winner is we will be back speaking normally. I will try not to think too much, but to play in the best possible way to win, to try to hurt Rafa.' Ferrer will get an extra support as he his wife and their three-month-old son Leo are there.

On his short-term plans, the former world No. 3 revealed he will play the Monterrey Challenger, Mexico, in early October. Then he will rest a lot and will spend time with his family. 'I had an intense career', he admitted. 'I would like to end my career in Spain next year in front of my people.

As time goes on, I will decide'. Ferrer's farewell will happen in Barcelona or Madrid event on clay in April/May 2019. ALSO READ: 'Serena Williams' extravagant outfits won't be accepted at French Open