Nadal eyes 11th French Open title as clock ticks

PARIS — Rafael Nadal admits that his desire to clinch an 11th French Open title on Sunday is fired by his growing realization that the end of his career may not be too far away.

The 32-year-old Spaniard, with 16 majors to his name, will play his 24th Grand Slam final at Roland Garros against Dominic Thiem who is in his first.

VictoryonSundaywillgive Nadal an 11th title in Paris and equal Margaret Court's all-time record for wins at the same Slam event – in her case, the Australian Open from 1960 and 1973.

Nadal still trails great rival Roger Federer by four major titles although the Swiss star is more than four years older.

"For me, the motivation to play here always is high, high as possible," said Nadal after breezing past Juan Martin del Potro 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 in Friday's semifinals in what was his 85th win in Paris against just two defeats.

"But for me, I believe that there are limited chances in your career.

"I have lost a lot of opportunities through injuries, and I know the years are going quick. So there is not 10 more chances to keep playing here."

The statistics illustrate Nadal's concerns – he has missed at least eight Slam tournaments in his career through a legacy of wrist and knee problems.

Such is his motivation to win his 17th Grand Slam on Sunday, that the task facing Austrian 24-year-old Thiem was described as "almost impossible" by Del Potro.

"It is almost impossible to beat Rafa," said Del Potro who had his chances in the semifinal but failed to convert any of his seven break points before his challenge petered out into weary hopelessness.

Nadal raced away with 14 of the last 17 games.

"He's too strong. He's improving his backhand a lot. That's why he's the No. 1 and beating all the guys.