Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has been away from the sport for almost a year now. Injuries were always his biggest nemesis, but he overcame them through sheer strength of will. Nadal is now gearing up to make his comeback, but fans are a little worried about his health.
The Australian Open was the last tournament Nadal played before he withdrew due to an unfortunate injury. Rafa injured his psoas muscle and had to undergo arthroscopic surgery in June to address the issue. The Spaniard has since been training to return to the courts next year.
Craig Tilley, the chief of the Australian Open, announced that Nadal would play at the tournament. While Nadal has not confirmed his participation, he is showing promising signs. The Spaniard is slowly gearing up for a memorable comeback and often shows snippets of his training on social media.
🇪🇸 Rafa’s comeback is getting closer 👀
📸 Rafael Nadal’s IG pic.twitter.com/1PfiGTFDR6
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) November 29, 2023
Nadal has often taken to Instagram to give updates on his recovery. He even shares short clips of himself sweating it out at the gym.
It looks like the Spaniard is ready, but his fans are a little worried about him. The biggest uncertainty at this juncture is if Nadal’s body can handle the physical toll of tennis. One fan expressed concern, as they stated, “My worst nightmare: that he injures himself again.” Here are a few reactions.
My worst nightmare: that he injures himself again. Because that would be it. No way would he go through this again, after everything that happened.
Last year in Australia, he was fine and this happened. His body is just not reliable anymore.
I pray for his health
— Lesane (@Lesane37559211) November 29, 2023
More like is farewell tour. We miss you Rafa… get back soon
— Esklav Dèchan (@Jdub53452759) November 29, 2023
Rafael Nadal has been one of the dominant forces in tennis for the past two decades. During his long absence, fans have missed him and the joy he brought to the sport.
Rafael Nadal is set to travel to Australia
It has been a difficult year for Nadal. He could only play at the Australian Open before his injury sidelined him, but it seems his return is finally on the cards.
A few days ago, Nadal took to social media to announce that he would return. Now, reports suggest that Rafa will be traveling to Australia after Christmas. If Nadal plays at the Australian Open, it will be a full-circle moment for him since it was his last tournament.
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A Spanish media outlet broke the news of Nadal’s plans. Apparently, he will travel to his academy in Kuwait to practice harder “in addition to participating in some events,” as reported by Cadena SER.
It has been a long road to recovery for Rafael Nadal. The 22-time Grand Slam champion is in the twilight phase of his career and will look to make the most of it before hanging up his racket.