"I don't feel old. But I am 32, and I have been here since 2003, so it's a long way, a lot of years"
Monday 4 June 2018 17:19, UK
Defending French Open champion Rafael Nadal said he does not "feel old", after moving a step closer to an incredible 11th title at Roland Garros on Monday.
The world No 1, red-hot favourite to win the French Open crown yet again, faced his toughest test so far but still came through unscathed after a straight-sets win over Maximilian Marterer to reach the quarter-finals.
Nadal still needed a tie-break to see off a stubborn opponent - winning his 37th consecutive set at the tournament - for a 6-3 6-2 7-6 (7-4) victory.
Only the legendary Bjorn Borg (41) has a longer streak and the way Nadal, who celebrated his 32nd birthday on Sunday, is devouring the opposition it is hard to see who can stop him.
"I don't feel old. But I am 32, and I have been here since 2003, so it's a long way, a lot of years," said Nadal, who is now on his own in third on the all-time list for most match wins at Grand Slam events with 234 victories after passing Jimmy Connors.
"I started very young. That's a real thing. But, no, I feel happy to be here. Being honest, I am enjoying the day by day on the tour and I hope to keep doing this for a while."
He will face Diego Schwartzman, the 11th seed, in the last eight after the Argentinian pulled off a stunning fightback against Kevin Anderson.
"It's always good to see him in the quarter-final because he's a good friend, a good person. He's a worker, and I'm happy to see him having all this success. Hopefully not too much (though)," added Nadal.
