"I think I would hang it up" - Martina Navratilova gives opinion on Rafael Nadal retirement

Former tennis star Martina Navratilova has given her take on the potential retirement of Rafael Nadal, stating she would hang up her racker were she in the Spaniard's position.

The 38-year old's last appearance occurred at the 2024 Olympic Games, where he fell in the first round to rival Novak Djokovic in singles action. The Spaniard teamed up with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles event, but saw his Olympic campaign end in the quarterfinals.

Nadal is scheduled to compete at the Laver Cup, which is slated to run from September 20-22, 2024. The only other event announced by the former World No.1 is his participation at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia, which will run from October 16 to 19, 2024.

In an interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Navratilova gave her thoughts on the possibility of Nadal playing in more events this year, or whether he should call it a career and retire.

"It depends on how much desire there is. If you’re just battling your body – you really want to play but it’s not letting you – then I would just give in,” said the 18-time singles Grand Slam champion. “He has had an unbelievable career. A much longer career than we all thought he would have because of the physicality of his style. That foot has been bothering him for years. And, man, if I lived in Mallorca and had his lifestyle, his boat, I think I would hang it up."