Tennis Australia CEO has shared that Rafael Nadal is open to participating in next year’s Australian Open provided he remains injury-free and in good physical condition. Nadal was forced to withdraw from the 2024 Australian Open after sustaining an injury against Jordan Thompson at the Brisbane International.
WHAT A REVERSE SMASH FROM RAFAEL NADAL! 💥👏 pic.twitter.com/wUPTP82kdm
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) January 4, 2024
Nadal returned to professional tennis at the 2024 Brisbane International following a one-year hiatus from the sport. The comeback began positively, with Nadal securing straight-set victories in the first two matches.
However, his quarterfinal match against Jordan Thompson took a turn when, despite leading the first set, he sustained a strain in his left leg. This led to his defeat in the match, and subsequently, he had to withdraw from the Melbourne major tournament.
Despite his setback, Tennis Australian CEO Craig Tiley shared some insights at the “AO Show” from his conversation with the 22-time Grand Slam champion. He mentioned Nadal’s intention to participate in next year’s Australian Open if he is playing and injury-free.
“He will be ready hopefully in February and I wish him well. I just told him we’re looking forward to see him in January 2025. He didn’t say no[to playing in Melbourne next year]. His reaction was, If I’m playing, feeling good and not injured, I’ll be back.”
-Craig Tiley at the “AO Show”
Rafael Nadal poised to resume training following an injury sustained at Brisbane International
Rafael Nadal is all set to resume training after withdrawing from the 2024 Australian Open due to a new hip injury. A similar injury last year at the Melbourne major sidelined him for the entire 2023 season. He made his comeback at the Brisbane International, securing victories in the first two rounds before suffering a quarterfinal exit against Jordan Thompson.
During his match against Thompson, he called for a medical timeout, to which he later mentioned that he felt the pain in the same area where he underwent surgery last year. Ahead of the Australian Open, he mentioned on social media a micro tear in his hip muscle was confirmed in an MRI result.
The Spaniard plans to rest for a week before he resumes training for the rest of the season.
