Rafael Nadal, of Spain, waves to the crowd at his doubles match against Australia's Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Dec 31, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

Rafa Nadal hopes to compete at this year's French Open and the Olympics, the former world number one said on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old Spaniard has won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record 14 French Open crowns.

"I don't know which events I have left to play but between you and me, it's not going to be many," Nadal said in an interview with Spanish broadcaster La Sexta.

"(Roland Garros) will be one of my goals", he added when asked whether he would play in his favorite Grand Slam tournament in May.

READ MORE: Tennis needs the next generation, says Grand Slam champion Sinner

"I'd like to play at the Olympics as well. It's not something I can confirm right now, but I hope I will... I think I will."

Nadal reached an agreement with the Middle East country for a long-term commitment to help grow the sport and inspire a new generation of tennis players and he plans to create a Rafa Nadal Academy in the country

Nadal, sidelined by injury for most of 2023, pulled out of next week's Qatar Open on Wednesday, postponing his return to competitive tennis as he has not recovered from a torn muscle he suffered in Brisbane last month.

READ MORE: ATP roundup: Hubert Hurkacz survives marathon in Rotterdam

Nadal also spoke about his ties with Saudi Arabia after being appointed ambassador of the country's Tennis Federation last month.

"They pay me, yes, do I need the money? Not at all, it will not change my life. I have not signed a super contract, like other fellow athletes who are there and I totally respect them," he said.

Nadal reached an agreement with the Middle East country for a long-term commitment to help grow the sport and inspire a new generation of tennis players and he plans to create a Rafa Nadal Academy in the country.

ALSO READ: ATP Marseille: China's Zhang wins history-making doubles title

"My commitment is to promote tennis and try to achieve my goals. I don't think Arabia needs me to wash its image. It is not my objective. People tend to give their opinions without asking questions," Nadal said.

"It goes without saying that when I accepted, I knew what would happen. I think my team made a mistake in communication and that I should have come out to explain it," he added.

Saudi Arabia has invested billions in global sports, including football, cycling, motor racing, and golf.