avid Ferrer believes that Rafael Nadal will keep playing tennis into next year if he stays fit.
Nadal made a return to competitive tennis after almost a year on the sidelines with a hip injury at the Brisbane International in January.
He reached the quarter-finals but then had to withdraw from the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, due to a separate hip problem that developed during a defeat against Jordan Thompson in Brisbane.
He is currently scheduled to play against his compatriot, Carlos Alcaraz, in an exhibition match on March 3, while the Indian Wells Masters starts three days later.
Despite his struggles, Ferrer believes that there are reasons to think Nadal could stay on court for a long time to come.
“Yes, without a doubt,” he told Marca when asked if Nadal could play into 2025 if he stays injury free.
“Knowing Rafa a little or a lot, if he does not have physical injuries, I am convinced that he will be competitive.
“It was already shown in the first week of the year in Brisbane that he was at a very high level without barely competing. If he doesn’t have any injuries, he will be competitive and if he is competitive, he will continue for another year.”