Tennis legend John McEnroe wary of early Rafael Nadal retirement call

American tennis legend John McEnroe suggests that Spaniard Rafael Nadal may retire if an injury occurs at the French Open following his return to the ATP Tour.

McEnroe made this prediction on Monday following the revelation that Nadal would miss the Australian Open due to a small tear in a hip muscle. 

The 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal has been hampered by injury since last year's Australian Open when he hurt his hip flexor during a second-round loss to American ace Mackenzie McDonald.

"I think Rafa was hoping," said McEnroe

"Hopefully I'll (Nadal) be ready for the French, see if my body holds up there,

"If it doesn't, I think you'll see him not play anymore. We’re all obviously hopeful he can because Rafa has been amazing for the game. We’d like to see him as long as we can." McEnroe told reporters during an Australian Open media conference call.

The 37-year-old Nadal recently made his comeback appearance at the Brisbane International, winning his first two matches before being defeated by Jordan Thompson in their quarter-final clash.

During this fixture, Nadal required a medical timeout, with further testing revealing the tear, which has ruled him out of the Australian Open.

READ MORE: Rafael Nadal withdraws from Australian Open due to injury