Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal is set to return after a long injury layoff. Since Nadal announced his intentions, the anticipation around his return has been through the roof. While these are exciting times for tennis lovers, Andrey Rublev gave a very honest answer.
Nadal took to social media to make the announcement. The Spaniard will play at the Brisbane International, his first tournament in almost a year. It is an ATP 250 event, which Nadal wants to play to prepare for the Australian Open.
Rublev had one of the best seasons of his career this year, where he won several titles, including his first Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo. He gave a very frank answer when he was asked about Nadal’s eventual return. “I am happy for him that he is back. But obviously, as a competitor, I feel more freedom when he was not there,” he said with a laugh.
Andrey Rublev on Rafael Nadal returning to the tennis in 2024#Rublev #Nadal #UTSGrandFinal pic.twitter.com/szrbsYBKqz
— Tennis Weekly Podcast (@tennisweeklypod) December 16, 2023
Rublev added that Rafa’s return will be good for tennis, though, since he will draw more viewers and spectators. Moreover, many more will tune in to watch Nadal take on Novak Djokovic.
Rafael Nadal and Novak have one of the biggest rivalries the world has ever seen. The Spaniard is currently training at his academy in Kuwait, and the news coming out of the Gulf nation is exciting.
Arthur Fils spills the beans on Rafael Nadal
The 22-time Grand Slam champion injured his psoas muscle at the Australian Open in January of this year. He underwent arthroscopic surgery, and what followed were months of recuperation and rehabilitation. And now, Rafa feels he is ready for his return.
Nadal trained in Mallorca before he moved to Kuwait for the preseason. He kindly asked the French rising star, Arthur Fils, to train with him. Rafa is moving well on his feet and looked in good touch while training with Fils.
Rafa Nadal practicing with Arthur Fils in Kuwait.
Back on the grind. 🇪🇸
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 8, 2023
Arthur recently spilled the beans on Nadal’s performance level at practice. Roger Federer’s former coach, Ivan Ljubicic, disclosed what the youngster shared with him about Nadal. “Nadal? Fils texted me that he is playing at a very high level. I still expect great things from Rafa,” he said (via Tennis-Infinity).
While this news will excite fans, Rafael Nadal himself is taking each day as it comes. With his return to Australia, it will be a full-circle moment for Nadal since he played his last tournament in the country.