SUMMARY
- Rafael Nadal is eyeing a comeback at Indian Wells next month.
- His kit for the tournament was revealed, and it drew varied reactions from fans online.
Spanish tennis giant Rafael Nadal is still trying to make a successful comeback to the tour after a long injury layoff. Nadal‘s road to return to the tour has been a bumpy one so far. However, the 22-time Grand Slam champion is hoping to play at Indian Wells next month. As things look more positive for Nadal, his jersey for the tournament has also been revealed.
Rafa tore his psoas muscle at the Australian Open in 2023. After undergoing surgery and training for half a year, he finally made his comeback at the Brisbane International earlier this year. He looked determined, and he even showed glimpses of his past self. Unfortunately, he suffered another injury, albeit a minor one, and had to withdraw from the Australian Open again.
The string of withdrawals continued for Nadal, who pulled out of the Qatar Open last week. He is hopeful to play at Indian Wells next month, and his jersey matches his fiery brand of tennis.
The kit Rafa will wear in IW (🙏🏽❤️🔥🙏🏽) – IG post tennis_street pic.twitter.com/rOvaxwVwMj
— Minal (@AlwaysMinal) February 16, 2024
Nadal is set to don a siren-red Nike t-shirt with his trademark bull logo on the right. The shorts are white, with a complementary red swoosh and his logo on either leg. He will complete the look with a pair of black Nike shoes and a siren-red swoosh.
Ever since his possible jersey was revealed, fan reaction has been varied. One user approved of the outfit, stating that Nadal’s kits never disappoint. However, given the color combination of the kit, one fan wondered, “Can I claim him for Austria?”
can i claim him for Austria? i mean: 🇦🇹 https://t.co/2aksDkxlTn
— Doris (@Dorli_Wi) February 16, 2024
I was talking about the shirt and shorts but yeah thats really cool shoes…his kits never ever dissapoint.
— 6-0inthefirst (@G0ATdal_22) February 16, 2024
Rafael Nadal will try to successfully integrate into the tour as soon as he can, and there is no better place than Indian Wells to do it. He already has a good record and will try to add to his title collection.
Rafael Nadal chasing a fourth title at Indian Wells
Nadal is one of the greatest tennis players of all time. With 22 major titles and 36 Masters titles, Nadal has left an indelible mark in the history of the sport. He is now chasing his 37th at Indian Wells, where he has won three times already.
The first time Rafa won the title was in 2007, against Novak Djokovic. It was only their second match out of the 59 they have played so far. The Spaniard decimated Novak 6-2, 7-5 in straight sets.
Nadal replicated his success in Coachella Valley again in 2009, when he took on Andy Murray in the final. It was a windy day, but Rafa adjusted well to overwhelm Murray 6-1, 6-2.
Finally, Nadal won his third title at Indian Wells in 2013, against Juan Martin del Potro. It was not an easy match, and Juan gave as good as he got, but Nadal prevailed. He defeated the Argentine player 4-6, 6-3, and 6-4 to win his third title. It was an emotional victory for him since he returned after a knee injury ruled him out for seven months.
“It’s probably one of the most emotional victories of my career. The support since I came back has been huge. It’s an unforgettable week for me and an unforgettable tournament,” said Nadal (via BNP Paribas Open).
Rafael Nadal will be returning to California after five years. If Nadal’s body cooperates and he can stay injury-free, he will fancy his chances. The tournament will begin on March 15.