Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal celebrated his 38th birthday last month.
The 22-time Grand Slam singles winner has had a number of injury setbacks in recent years, fuelling belief that he would soon step away from the sport he has dominated for so long.
But Nadal did his best to dispel any notion that the 2024 Paris Olympics would mark the final chapter of his storied career.
Shortly after the first round of men's doubles matches at Roland Garros, where he has won the French Open 14 times, Nadal hinted that his long rivalry with Novak Djokovic is far from over.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Rafael Nadal of Team Spain plays a backhand during a training session ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Roland Garros on July 24, 2024, in Paris. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
“Who says that's the last dance?” Nadal joked when asked if he was prepared for a possible “last dance” with Djokovic in the singles competition during the Summer Games.
Nadal is scheduled to face Hungarian Marton Fucsovics in the first round of the men's singles tournament on Sunday. The Spaniard appeared unsure whether he would compete against Fucsovics, saying, “I don't know if I'm going to play or not,” according to The Associated Press.
ANDY MURRAY ANNOUNCES PLANS TO RETIRE AFTER THE 2024 PARIS OLYMPICS
Nadal said he wanted to discuss his plans for Sunday's competition after finishing playing on Saturday “and then make the smartest decision possible to have the best chances of bringing [a] medal at home.”
Rafael Nadal of Spain carries the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 26, 2024. (Stephanie Lecocq/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
If Nadal defeats Fucsovics, he would earn a spot in the second round, where he would likely face Djokovic.
The Serbian and holder of the record for most major singles titles of all time expressed his excitement at the chance to compete against Nadal, especially if it really would be for the last time.
2024 SUMMER OLYMPICS: LIVE UPDATES
“If we do meet, it will probably be the last time we meet on a big stage,” Djokovic said. “I'm sure people will enjoy it. I'm looking forward to it and I'll be ready for that match.”
Rafael Nadal of Team Spain during a training session at Roland Garros ahead of the Paris Olympic Games on July 23, 2024, in Paris. (Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
Nadal and Djokovic have not met since the quarter-finals of the 2022 French Open. Nadal outlasted Djokovic in that meeting and won his 14th Roland Garros title.
“Playing against him is like playing a final at any tournament,” Djokovic said. “Especially here, knowing what he's achieved and what he's done for our sport, but especially here at Roland Garros, his record speaks for itself.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Nadal said playing Saturday's doubles match with Carlos Alcaraz was “emotional.”
“[It was] “It was an exciting night, an electrifying night, with an incredible crowd,” Nadal said. “Playing with Carlos on this court was very special. I'm very happy with the victory. It gives us the opportunity to move forward.”
Although the “King of Clay” will eventually end his magnificent career, the Olympic Games may not be his final farewell.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe to The Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
