On Sunday, December 31, Rafael Nadal finally made a triumphant return to tennis courts after missing nearly 18 months due to serious hip issues in 2023. Although Nadal lost in doubles play against an experienced opponent, signs of old form emerged with him smiling widely throughout his doubles match loss against Eurosport and Discovery+ streaming the Australian Open 2024 live!
Rafael Nadal endured his debut since returning from injury at the Brisbane International, losing in straight sets despite facing Marc Lopez in doubles play. This marked Nadal’s first match since suffering a hip injury while losing to Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open 2023 second round matchup. Owing to an injury sustained while playing for New Zealand he missed 2023 until being cleared to resume playing in 2024.
Nadal seemed unencumbered by mobility limitations during this tournament. He tracked balls well from behind the baseline, supporting his statement before play that his body felt “much better” than expected. Nadal showed keen anticipation at net and showed impeccable timing with crosscourt backhands while simultaneously performing near-perfect overhead volleys.
Nadal entered Pat Rafter Arena brimming with joy. And we learned this is exactly why: since day one a smile has graced his features. It is easy to see.
Nadal has been sidelined since injuring his left hip-flexor in an encounter against American Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open second round, which devastated him deeply, especially considering that this year marked only 36 hours as reigning Slam champ before it ended abruptly.
Nadal stated he wasn’t sure whether 2024 will mark his final season on tour.
“One difficulty of making such predictions is being unable to accurately anticipate them,” explained Daniel in a presser, noting he prefers using words such as ‘probably’ instead of making absolute proclamations about future happenings.
At this stage, there’s an increasingly likely likelihood that this season may be my last visit to Australia. Should I come back next year, don’t tell me I said this was going to be my final season because that wasn’t said by me at any point!
Never knowing what’s coming your way can be scary; I can never predict my wellbeing in six months nor can I predict whether my body will allow me to play tennis as regularly in my latter 20s years.”
Fans welcomed 37-year old Pablo Andujar with Spanish flags and messages of support, with particular cheering coming for his signature whipped shots and powerful crosscourt backhand winners in the opening set.