Rafael Nadal is all set to return at the Brisbane International which will act as a warm-up event to the opening Grand Slam of the season in January.
He recently announced his comeback after a year-long hiatus from tennis. His last match was in the 2023 Australian Open, where he faced a second-round exit.
It has been the most difficult year for the Spaniard as he had to face a number of setbacks due to his injury. He had to undergo surgery twice in 2023 after struggling with a hip injury. After multiple withdrawals till the French Open, he had a big announcement about his future in tennis. He had to withdraw from the entire season as he was up for surgery and said that 2024 would be his last season in tennis.
But, 37-year-old Nadal who has over the years given his best to continue to play, said that he doesn’t want to end his career in a press conference room. He has been training for some time and announced his return starting at the Brisbane International last week.
Nadal said that it is the support of his team, fans, and family that has been his source of motivation. At the same time, he also mentioned that he is not expecting anything and just wants to enjoy playing in the tournaments. He has also hinted that if the season goes well, he might continue to play in the future.
Rafael Nadal has some time off with his wife in Vienna ahead of his 2024 comeback in Brisbane
Rafael Nadal can be seen spending some time with his wife Maria Francisco Perello in Vienna ahead of his return.
After an injury-hit season, he is set to make his comeback at the Brisbane International starting early next month. He is on vacation with his wife in Vienna before traveling to Kuwait for some quality practice with Arthur Fils.
Arthur Fils was the runners-up at the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals and on receiving an invitation from the 22-time Grand Slam winner he would also be moving to Kuwait.
Nadal took to Instagram and shared photos with his wife at the Josefplatz courtyard in Vienna. He received a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane and with the help of Protective Ranking, he would be playing in the main draw of the 2024 Australian Open.