Rafael Nadal will return to action at the Brisbane International on December 31 after missing most of this year due to hip flexor injury sustained at Australian Open’s second round. Shortly before French Open commenced he announced that he was going to miss it but didn’t provide an exact return date.
In December this year, 37-year old tennis pro announced his return to X (formerly Twitter). At that time, he also alluded to this being his last campaign with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).
Nadal will begin his preparations at the Brisbane International in 2024 for his comeback at Australian Open and does not expect too much, one year off court: “I don’t expect too much, one year of rest. “
Rafa Nadal admitted it would be unrealistic for him to even consider winning tournaments as he made his long-awaited comeback at the Brisbane International after suffering hip problems for nearly one year.
At Melbourne Park on January 27, he sustained the injury which resulted in surgery taking place two months later in June – as is widely speculated to happen with future Grand Slam winners such as Roger Federer. He suffered further setbacks while recovering and then took no part in competition during 2017.
Novak Djokovic and others believe Rafael Nadal, 37 years old and world number one on tour, will return at peak form, however his return hasn’t raised hopes that a title may come his way this season or next on Tour.
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Nadal stated to Australian Associated Press that winning tournaments is no longer in his reach; all that can be accomplished right now is enjoying his return and living in the moment. “After being away for such an extended period of time… my expectations should not be too great…”
Nadal arrived in Australia last Friday and has intensified his training regimen over recent months with Holger Rune (world number eight) at Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane.
The Spaniard who now ranks 672 in the world reported feeling much improved from last year; however, his long-term goals may still not be achievable at present.
Nadal stated, “I cannot predict how my situation will unfold over the coming months or years; therefore I avoid trying to predict anything close-term. Predicting events is more challenging.”
“Life isn’t perfect and so every day at work I must face challenges with an optimistic approach.
Brisbane International kicks off Sunday while Australian Open runs 14 to 28 January.
