PARIS (AP) — Rafael Nadal smiled. He joked. He sounded upbeat. He’s been playing well and feeling better in practice. He is eager to get going at Roland Garros after dealing for so long with hip and abdominal problems.

Oh, and then there’s this little tidbit he dropped during a pre-tournament news conference Saturday: This French Open might not turn out to be the 14-time champion’s last appearance, after all, at his favorite event, one he called “magical.”

Because of his age — he turns 38 on June 3 — and his injuries, not to mention past statements about figuring 2024 would be his last year on tour, everyone from other players to fans to the media has been assuming it will be his farewell appearance at the French Open.

Asked whether that’s accurate, Nadal grinned and replied: “Don’t assume that.”

“It’s a big, big chance that it’s going to be my last Roland Garros,” Nadal said. “But if I have to tell you it’s 100% my last Roland Garros? Sorry, but I will not. Because I cannot predict what’s going on.”