The 2024 season will see the return of Rafael Nadal on tour. He will be back on the courts after a year marked by injuries and surgeries. Nadal had announced that he would be starting his season in Brisbane. The fans are eager to see him win matches and, at the same time, are anxious about his form. It is a tough time for Nadal as he shared a video talking about playing on the tour again.
The Spaniard shared his honest vision about steeping back to action. Nadal said, “I expect from myself not to expect anything. This is the truth. To have the ability not to demand myself what I have demanded myself throughout the year.” He said he could not demand so much from his body.
Rafa also talked about the possibility of losing matches initially and shared he’ll be forgiving himself if it happens. He said, “Forgive myself if things go wrong at the beginning which is a very big possibility”. This raised some concerns for fans as it sounded as if the 22-time Grand Slam champion was already thinking that he’d lose to some.
“In other words, he will tank in all events except those on clay. As expected from him,” said a fan after hearing Nadal’s message.
In other words, he will tank in all events except those on Clay (mid-season). As expected from him.
— ميرو النوليستا ²⁴ 🐊 (@Que_Mes8) December 4, 2023
“He sounds defeated already, lowering expectations, no? I predict first round losses , 2nd or 3rd round top,” commented a fan after watching the video.
He sounds defeated already , lowering expectations, no ? I predict first round losses , 2nd or 3rd round top .
— Felix (@travisandconnor) December 4, 2023
Nadal had last played at this year’s Australian Open and suffered an early exit. He lost against Mackenzie Mcdonald in straight sets. Nadal only played four matches this year and lost three of them. It has been his worst year on tour since turning professional in 2001. But his warrior attitude cannot be counted out as seen in the past.
Rafael Nadal is pinning hopes on physical fitness to reach a milestone mark on the tour
The 2024 season will be Nadal’s 23rd year on the professional tour. It also might be his last season on the ATP tour. The former world No.1 is still a favorite at the French Open and the Paris Olympics, as it will be held on clay. Nadal will be hoping to stay injury-free during his time on the court and will try not to exert too much pressure on his body.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion is only 12 matches away from playing 1300 matches on the tour. He has secured 1068 wins so far and is on level with Ivan Lendl in terms of career victories. Novak Djokovic had surpassed Nadal in career victories this season. Nadal is also 26 wins away from securing 500 wins on clay and can become the third player to achieve the record.
🎧👀💪🏻😉 pic.twitter.com/iH7NvsQGMT
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 1, 2023
The 14-time French Open champion will continue to inspire his rivals as he steps on hardcourts next month. Nadal will attempt to finish his career on a positive note. The expectations will be high during the clay court events as he has never disappointed the fans on his favorite surface. The Paris Olympics will be his last appearance at the event, and the red dirt shall give him a good farewell.