Rafael Nadal already has offer to come out of retirement as great rival plots 'rematch'

Richard Gasquet has laid down the gauntlet to for a nostalgic showdown when they are both 50 years old.

On the same day, Gasquet also revealed that he also will be stepping away from the sport at the end of the season at the same age. The Frenchman came through the ranks with Nadal as a young player, enjoying many battles with the Spaniard.

Nadal is famed for his epic duels with and , but it could be said that his first real rivalry was with the former World No.7. However, when they both reached the senior circuit, Nadal devastatingly took control, winning every single one of their matches.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner overcame the Frenchman on all 18 occasions they met on the pro tour. Revenge is still fresh on Gasquet's mind, particularly now he will not face Nadal in a competitive match again.

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Speaking to , Gasquet laughed: "I would have liked not to know him so well during my career." He added: "I will still remain at 18-0 against him, so unless we play in a veterans' match.

"When we're 50, I'll call him to try and have a rematch. I'll stay fit and try to beat him.

"It won't count on the circuit. I'll wait a bit because even today, I'm not sure I'd beat him."

Nadal revealed his retirement news to fans last Friday. He is competing in the Six Kings Slam competition in Saudi Arabia, which will pocket him £1.15million just for turning up.

Should he pip Djokovic, , Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune and Daniil Medvedev to the prize, he will win an astonishing £4.6m. His stint on the court could hit its finale on November 19 in a Davis Cup clash with the Dutch.

A win will prolong his career for another three days where he will play in the semi-final, for a chance to reach the final in Malaga on Sunday, November 24. It would be an emotional end to a stunning career.

In a heartfelt video to his supporters, Nadal laid bare the reasons behind his decision to walk away from the sport. He said: "The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially.

"I don't think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make.

"But, in this life, everything has a beginning and an end. And I think it's the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined."