Rafael Nadal has gone on record saying that he has not completely recovered from his injury, which is what is preventing him from giving a date for his comeback. Last seen in action at the 2023 Australian Open, the Spaniard has since been on the sidelines owing to a hip injury.
Nadal took the layoff to get his injury treated by way of surgery and is targeting next year’s Australian Open for a comeback. Tournament director, Craig Tiley has hinted, “We can reveal exclusively that Rafa will be back. He’s been off for most of the year, and in talking to him over the last few days he confirmed he will be back, which we’re excited about.”
Rafa Nadal says he can’t confirm if he’ll play at Australian Open 2024 and that he still isn’t pain-free:
“My first realistic option to be back on the professional court would be January in Australia. But right now, I really can’t confirm something I don’t know. Nothing has… pic.twitter.com/WW8fQsDXjK
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 20, 2023
But, Rafa’s statement that he still isn’t quite sure of being in readiness for the Melbourne Major, has abated the expectations considerably. He opined, “I am training more now than a month ago but I am going day by day. Let’s see if I have the possibility of increasing the intensity to return little by little.”
Fans chose to take a stern view of how things are panning out for the tennis legend and took to X to call him not to abuse his body anymore. Some felt “It’s probably best for him to just retire now. It would ruin his retirement if he came back just to get knocked out in early rounds of tournaments like Federer.” Others chose to give up on his return by reacting, “Nearly a year off and still in pain. Just accept it’s over…”
{Credits- Inquirer Sports, X}
According to Nadal, he still is in pain, though it is comparatively less. But, he feels the pain is stimulating him to do more things. Rafa felt that he was very excited to get back on the court and there has always been personal pressure on him since he has always demanded a lot from himself.
Rafael Nadal believes Paris Olympics 2024 will be a nice way to end his career
The 37-year-old Spaniard believed that because of his fitness levels, he has missed a lot of tennis. Rafa believes “I have been one of the most inactive players on the circuit for many years. I’ve missed four and a half years of Grand Slams. That’s what the sport is all about…” In his career, Rafa has won 2 Australian Open titles, 14 French Open titles, 2 Wimbledon titles, and 4 US Open titles.
Nadal, though, is not placing high expectations on himself and winning the Roland-Garros or the Australian Open on his comeback. He added “…The 2024 Olympics in Paris would be a nice end to my career if I feel good…” The prospects of it look bright as he has an enviable win-loss record of 112-3, at the clay courts of Roland-Garros.
{Credits – The Independent, Rafael Nadal Fans}
For now, Nadal would like to get back to playing and being competitive. At present, he is in a state of quandary, as this was a situation that he had not encountered before. Rafa has thrown light on the fact, that his schedule shall change if he feels that he is body is responding better, which gives him a better shot at winning tournaments.