Rafael Nadal’s future in tennis remains uncertain as speculation grows about his retirement. With 22 Grand Slam titles and a career filled with both triumph and injury, many wonder if Rafa is ready to step away from the sport.

“He’s so ready,” says fellow Spanish tennis star Garbiñe Muguruza, who herself stepped away from the sport in April at the age of 30. Muguruza has shared some private conversations with Rafa that shed light on his state of mind and future intentions. “His body, his mind, just everything,” she said, implying that Rafa may be preparing to hang up his racket soon.

Muguruza also spoke about how Rafa’s personal life, particularly the birth of his first child, seems to have influenced his thinking. “It’s time to also enjoy his kid! I see him smiling all the time with his baby. I’m like, ‘Why are you on the court still? Go home, take the boat, go in Mallorca.’ I think he gave everything he had,” Muguruza added, underscoring that Rafa’s personal happiness off the court could be another sign that his playing days are coming to an end.

Rafa has always been a private individual, with a reserved and humble nature, making it difficult for even his closest peers to know exactly what he’s thinking. “It’s hard to know him,” Muguruza admits. “He’s very shy.”

Despite his tendency to keep his cards close to his chest, Rafa did give Muguruza a subtle hint during the Laureus Awards in Madrid earlier this year, where they crossed paths. “We talked a little bit at the Laureus Awards in Madrid,” Muguruza recalled, noting that Rafa had mentioned his future to her. “He said, ‘This is my last year,’ but he didn’t share anything else. I don’t want to ask him personal questions.”

If Rafa is truly saying goodbye to professional tennis, many fans are already eager to buy tickets for the Davis Cup Final in Malaga, Spain, this November. It could be the perfect stage for a final farewell, in front of a home crowd and fans from around the world.