Rafael Nadal was unhappy after being asked about retirement in the wake of his defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Olympics on Monday.
Djokovic won 6-1, 6-4 at Roland Garros to advance to the second round of the competition as the Serb seeks the first gold medal of his glittering career.
Nadal's time in tennis is drawing to a close, with the 22-time Grand Slam champion widely expected to call time on his career in the near future.
After his defeat to Djokovic, the Spaniard was asked about retirement and when he plans to hang up his racket.
Rafael Nadal was unhappy after being asked about retirement in the wake of his defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Olympics on Monday
REUTERS
But Nadal was in no mood to discuss the subject, with the 38-year-old accusing journalists of asking him the 'same thing every day'.
"I can't think about that all day. I come here and you ask me the same thing every day and at the same time," he said.
"In the end it is very difficult to recover an optimal level if I think about whether I retire or not.
"I come from two very difficult years with many physical problems that have not allowed me to have continuity.
"That is why I have given myself extra time to see if I was able to recover many things but if you always ask me about withdrawal it is impossible because you are always with the noise behind your ear that doesn't let you develop what you need to make the real decision."
Nadal insists he still enjoys tennis, despite being a shadow of the player that once dominated the singles tour.
"I try to look forward and when the Olympics are over I will make the decisions," he continued.
"You have to take it based on the desire and feelings you have, although for many it makes little sense.
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"I have been suffering for two years, I have had hip surgery, I have been recovering for a long time and now I am feeling better physically.
"Obviously if I feel that I am not competitive I am going to make the decision to leave, but I have played really little."
As for Djokovic, the 24-time major winner appears to be finding his mojo.
After his recent defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the final of Wimbledon, some opted to write the veteran off as a faded force.
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Rafael Nadal was outplayed by Novak Djokovic in their Olympics clash on Monday
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Djokovic has won more Grand Slams than any other player in tennis history. However, Olympic gold is the one accolade to have eluded him so far.
He was full of praise for Nadal after his win over his rival, while also shedding more light on their relationship.
"No, there is no brotherhood. We are rivals and colleagues," he said.
"In our situation, it has always been difficult to be close to each other because at this level, you can give a lot of information that might turn against you on the court.
Rafael Nadal insists he still enjoys tennis despite being crushed by Novak Djokovic at the Olympics on Monday
REUTERS
"We have been sharing a part of our lives for a long time, and I would like our relationship to improve in the future.
"Both of us are very family-oriented, and our lives will change. Maybe we can share more things."
