Rafael Nadal believes that the golden generation of himself, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray could be in its death throes.
The 28-year-old Spaniard may have collected his ninth French Open title and 14th major on Sunday, but his lingering, tearful appreciation of Roland Garros’ Philippe Chatrier court in the aftermath of his win, hinted that he knew change was in the air.
Nadal took his Paris record to a staggering 66 wins against just one loss since his debut as a 19-year-old in 2005.
But he will be 29 when he attempts to win a 10th title in 2015 while Sunday’s runner-up Djokovic and Wimbledon champion Murray will be 28.
This time next year, Federer will be staring down the barrel of his 34th birthday.
Between them, those four men have won 39 of the last 44 majors stretching back to Federer’s first Wimbledon title in 2003.
“This year is emotional for different reasons,” said Nadal after his record-setting fifth consecutive French Open title.
“I am 28, it’s not forever. I want to enjoy the moment because I have worked so hard to be here. I will have a few more opportunities but you don’t know if I will ever win it again.”
Nadal’s introspection was an echo of his feelings after his second round win over Austrian hot-shot Dominic Thiem, the 20-year-old widely expected to be a title threat in Paris in 12 months’ time.
“Our generation is on the way out. We have all been here for a long while. It’s normal. A generation is walking away and others will replace us. It will not come overnight, but it will come,” said Nadal.
Meanwhile, coach and uncle Toni says Nadal’s incredible records at the French Open can be matched because he is “not special”.
Nadal’s dominance of the tournament is unprecedented, with the Spaniard’s only loss from his 67 matches on the Paris clay coming in 2009 to Robin Soderling.
Nadal’s humility owes a lot to Toni’s tough love approach.
After watching his nephew lift a ninth Coupe des Mousquetaires, Toni said: “It’s incredible for me. To win here nine titles is unbelievable. Many years ago I can’t think that Rafael could win nine titles.
“What Rafael has done, I’m sure that another one can do the same. Rafael is not special.
“Another guy can do the same, but it’s not easy. Because nine years winning a difficult tournament like this is very tough. It’s difficult to win one, to win nine in 10 years is unbelievable.
“He’s not special, he’s a very good player I think, but not more than this.”
Nadal’s ninth French Open was his 14th grand slam title overall, drawing him level with Pete Sampras in second place on the all-time list.
He is now only three behind Roger Federer, who is almost five years older, but Toni does not expect Nadal to pass the Swiss.
“It’s very difficult,” he said. “Rafael is not too young and to win each tournament is really difficult.”
It was also an emotional moment for Djokovic, who struggled to hold back tears as the crowd gave him a prolonged ovation when he stepped up to receive the runners-up trophy.
The Serbian is chasing the one grand slam title to elude him so far, losing two finals and two semi-finals in the last four years.
Djokovic said of the reception: “It was fantastic. I am so grateful for the opportunity to play here.
“Of course it’s right after you go off the court and you want this title so much and you don’t win it for several years now, and it’s disappointing.
“But it’s not the first time that I have had this particular experience. At the end of the day, you have to put things in perspective and see where I come from and what kind of life I have. It’s a blessing.
“So to be able to also be appreciated by the fans the way I was at the end of the match just gives me more strength and motivation to come back here and try until the end of my career hopefully to get at least a title.”
