Ferrer, 36, is set to retire himself in May after a solid career where he reached a best ranking of world No 3.

The Valencia-born ace is close friends with Nadal and wants to see his countryman continue to close the gap to Roger Federer’s Grand Slam tally – of which he is three behind.

However, Nadal has struggled with a series of injuries over the last few years which could cause him to halt his career prematurely.

But Ferrer wants to see the 32-year-old continue providing the inspiration for the up-and-coming Spanish stars.

“In Spain there is a very good base and great quarry,” Ferrer said at an awards dinner in Le Nuncio.

“But we hope that Rafa Nadal lasts a few more years because it will be impossible to find another equal.

“The law of life and is that other tennis players will come.”

Nadal sat out of the Miami Open last week to try and recover from a knee injury in time for the Monte Carlo Masters.

During that tournament, Ferrer shocked world No 3 Alexander Zverev in the second round.

He also breezed past Sam Querrey in the opening round but eventually met his match in No 28 seed Frances Tiafoe.

But the victory over Zverev will live long in the memory of the departing Ferrer.

“It’s a special day because it’s the last year of professional tennis for me,” he said.

“Winning these type of matches against a top-10 player like Sascha is a gift.

“I’m very happy and I’m trying to enjoy every point and every moment.”