Rafael Nadal has asked his fans not to take “2024 as his last season” seriously.
Rafael Nadal has not played any tennis since the second-round exit at the 2023 Australian Open due to a hip injury. In May, the prolonged injury forced the Spaniard to announce the possibility that 2024 would be the last year of his career. He underwent surgery later and after a good recovery phase, he has been training for a return.
The 2024 Brisbane International tournament marks his first tournament after his year-long hiatus from tennis. Ahead of this tournament, he has mentioned about 2024 being possibly his last season on tour.
But, he seems to change his mindset when speaking to the media on Sunday. It was great to know that the 22-time Grand Slam champion has kept his options open for playing beyond 2024.
“The problem about saying that’s going to be my last season is I can’t predict what’s going on 100% in the future. That’s the thing. That’s why I say ‘probably.”
-Rafael Nadal said, via ESPN
The Spaniard mentioned that though there’s a high percentage of his last time in Australia there’s a possibility of his return next year.
“It’s obvious that it’s a high percentage that’s going to be my last time playing here in Australia. But if I am here next year, don’t tell me, You said[2024 was] going to be your last season, because I didn’t say it(smiling). I just say have been an important percentage.”
-Rafael Nadal said, via ESPN
Rafael Nadal has been welcomed with huge cheers on his return to action at the Brisbane International
Rafael Nadal who played his first competitive match was welcomed with loud cheers at his arrival on the court.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion was out of action for a year due to injury. He made his return at the 2024 Brisbane International where is playing in both singles and doubles events.
He teamed up with Mark Lopez for the doubles event which marked his first match after the gap. The duo were up for their match against Australia’s Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson where he received a huge standing ovation from the crowd.
Though they ended up losing the match, but the Spaniard departed the court waving at his fans with a smile.
