When it comes to Grand Slam events in tennis, Rafael Nadal has been the dominant figure at the French Open. As he prepares for his 19th tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, he has won the title 14 times in his career.

However, no player can go on forever, and it is clear that Nadal is getting near the end. He has not made any official retirement announcement, but there is a very good chance that Nadal's appearance in the 2024 French Open will be his last.

The 37-year-old Nadal brings a lifetime record of 112-3 at Roland-Garros into this year's tournament. The only players he has lost to in Paris include Novak Djokovic and Robin Soderling.

He says he is enjoying playing tennis once again, but he knows that it will be a major challenge to get back in the winner's circle in Paris.

“It's a big, big chance that it’s going to be my last Roland-Garros, but if I have to tell you it's 100 percent my last Roland Garros, sorry, but I will not, because I cannot predict what's going on – I hope you understand,” he said.

“In some way I don't want to close 100 percent the do. First thing, I am enjoying playing tennis. Second thing, I am traveling with the family. They are enjoying. I am enjoying sharing all this process with them.”

Nadal will have a difficult path in French Open

This is not the usual path for Nadal at the French Open. He is not a seeded player this year, and that means he has a challenging draw. He will face fourth-seed Alexander Zverev in the opening round, and that means his play in Paris could be very short.

However, he has a 5-1 record on clay against Zverev and he has a 7-3 record overall against the German star.

Rafael Nadal comes into the French Open after a painful showing in the Italian Open in Rome. He was non-competitive against Hubert Hurkacz earlier this month, dropping a 6-1, 6-3 decision.

“Of course on paper it is not the best draw,” Nadal said. “I play against one of the toughest opponents possible, and at the same time, he came here winning the last event and it's a Masters 1000. That's the draw. Just try to be ready for it.

“You know, it's a super-tough first round. Maybe I go out and repeat the disaster of Rome. It's a possibility, of course. I don't want to hide that.”

Novak Djokovic won the French Open last year, and he is also the top-seeded player in this year's event. Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Zverev follow.Danill Medvedev is the fifth seed, followed by Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud and Hubert Hurkacz.