Rafael Nadal hasn’t played a match on the tennis tour since January 2023. Now he talks about a return – and makes it clear
Tennis star Rafael Nadal raises hopes of a tour comeback next year, but puts the brakes on expectations due to his long injury break. “We know that the pain will never go away,” said the 22-time Grand Slam winner.
Nevertheless, he had taken a step forward, said Nadal. The Spaniard was injured at the Australian Open at the beginning of the year and has been struggling with problems with his hip. He has left it open as to when he will make his comeback
“The years go by “
“I won’t win more Grand Slams than Djokovic, but I will have the chance to have fun again.” For him, personal success is the most important thing. “The years will pass. I hope to play again, that fulfills me personally enormously,” said Nadal.
He played his last match to date in Australia on January 16 against Mackenzie McDonald and lost in three sets. The former number one in the ATP world rankings has now plummeted to 664th. Nadal has won all Grand Slam tournaments in his career and is the record winner of the French Open with 14 titles. His last major success to date came there in 2022.
“I’m fine, I’m training and I’m happy,” said the Majorcan, giving an insight into his emotional world. “I’m confident that I’ll be able to say something more concrete in the coming weeks.” Australian Open Director Craig Tiley recently held out the prospect of a Nadal comeback at the first major tournament in 2024
