Why Nadal won't follow in Federer's fatherly footsteps

Rafael Nadal is the only member of tennis's 'Fab Four' without children, and the Spaniard says that won't be changing anytime soon.

Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic are all happily married and have kids, but Nadal recently questioned the wisdom of starting a family while competing on the ATP Tour.

FAMILY MAN: Federer says wife and kids convinced him not to retire

35-year-old Federer has two twin girls and two twin boys with wife Mirka, while Murray and Djokovic, both 30, are both expecting their second children.

Nadal has been dating girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello for many years, but can't see himself settling down until he retires.

"I would love to have children, boys, girls… I'm a person who loves kids and I'm a family guy," he told Argentine talk show Con Amigos Asi recently.

"But also I tell you that the reality is… the years keep passing… I would like to start to do all of this when my sporting life determines it.

"I think it's also above all about looking after the kids.

"I don't know if it [travelling throughout the year when you have children] is ideal."

31-year-old Nadal looked to be on his last legs at the end of 2016, but has experienced a stunning resurgence this year that's seen him win four ATP titles, including his 10th French Open.

Currently ranked No.2 in the world, he's in a race with Federer to take Murray's top spot heading into the US Open.

Nadal doesn't appear to be slowing down, and with the No.1 ranking and more grand slams in his sights, he's unlikely to retire anytime soon.

Federer recently revealed his family actually convinced him not to retire when it looked like he too was finished last year.

The humble Swiss insists it's his love of his family that continues to drive his competitive spirit in the twilight of his career.