The clock is ticking on Rafael Nadal’s tennis career and it is possible that we are about to see him playing on an American hard court for the last time.

While Nadal admits he doesn’t know when he will hit his final ball in anger, it is increasingly evident that his body is struggling to stand up to the strain of playing competitive tennis.

He has hinted this will be his final year as a professional and while he has yet to confirm when he will hit his final ball, the 22-time Grand Slam champion admits his preparation for the Indian Wells Masters event this week has been hampered by fitness concerns.

“The most important thing for me is that I’m here. This, it’s reality. If I’m here it’s already good news,” said Nadal after his arrival in America last week.

“Two weeks ago, beyond the results, the goal was to play the Las Vegas and Indian Wells match and I’m closer to achieving it.

“I don’t know what level I’ll be at in Indian Wells, but it is the least important thing today. I promise. For me it is important to spend a few days in Indian Wells and train with professionals.

“When you are of an advanced age if you stop your body is no longer prepared. If you play the body adapts to the loads. If you stop there is a greater risk of injury. It is no longer just a tennis level issue.”

Nadal has been drawn against fellow veteran Milos Raonic in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, with tournament organisers announcing when the Spanish great would play long in advance as they know his appearance will generate big ticket sales.

That star quality is what tennis will be missing when Nadal makes his exit from the game and there must be a big chance that this will be his last ever appearance in America as a professional.

READ MORE: World No 652 Rafael Nadal to face world No 224 in ‘blockbuster’ Indian Wells opener

There is an expectation that he will not compete at the Miami Open later this month as he focuses on the clay court season in Europe, where he will feel he has his best chance to achieve one last big win.

“At the moment, I am considering playing in Indian Wells. I would love to play in Monte Carlo,” said Nadal ahead of his exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas last Sunday.

“And then, at this point in my career, I have to analyse how I am at every moment, the feelings I have and where I most want to play.

“I will try to do what is better to reach my goals with some chance. I want to do the things that I really want to be happy.

“I’m not saying goodbye because then I’d say I’m not playing anymore,” Nadal continued.

“This is an important point and I don’t want to say it because I’m not 100% clear about it. In the last two years, I haven’t been able to play

“Life is showing you the path. How did I imagine my farewell? At first, I didn’t imagine it because you start to imagine something, which means that the closer you are to it.

“It wasn’t something I had in mind. I would like to say goodbye well, being competitive and enjoying myself on the court.

“Whether that can be or not, time will tell. It is evident that the months and weeks show me a path that is complicated. There are moments that are difficult to manage.

“Two weeks ago, when I could not go to Doha, well it is another blow, but here we are. I’m going to give myself the opportunity to enjoy it a little more.”

With his fitness issues appearing to be a constant and unwanted companion, Nadal may well struggle to finish the 2024 season and could consider ending his career after the French Open.

If that is the case, we may be about to witness the final chapters of his story on American hard courts at Indian Wells over the next few days.