ageing

France - like many developed nations - is facing the demographic headache of an ageing population - fewer workers being taxed and more people drawing the state pension.

With the ageing process taking a toll, the 38-year-old is not keen to fill up his tennis diary.

Prof Mabbott said: "Living a lot longer, but suffering from the multiple morbidities that can accompany ageing, and in-and-out of hospital for another tissue transplant does not sound an attractive way to spend my retirement!"

It feels like they're on the decline after a great run, with ageing stars and injuries that are already stacking up.

Another suggestion is that years of substance abuse are now catching up with the ageing Trainspotting generation - although this is disputed.