Rafael Nadal has landed in Brisbane, Australia, and is ready to make a comeback in the Brisbane International. He had a special message for his fans.
On Friday, Rafael Nadal conveyed that he is “feeling good,” but he toned down expectations regarding his immediate chances of winning tournaments. Nadal downplayed the likelihood of winning any Grand Slams or titles, considering his return to the court after nearly a year-long absence due to injury.
Rafael Nadal has successfully rebounded from his hip surgery and is prepared to take part in competitions. Everyone who remotely watches or follows tennis is concerned about his health.
Now, as he is set to feature in his first tour competition after a long wait, the tennis world is buzzing with excitement.
Several of these fans gathered around The Queen Street Mall, Brisbane to take part in a meet and greet with the great, El Niño. The Spaniard expressed his gratitude to the gathered crowd with a selfie and a caption, appreciating their warm welcome.
“Hello Brisbane 👋🏻 thanks for this amazing welcome 🙏🏻”
Earlier on Friday, Nadal commented on his own expectations from his return to action. He said :
“It’s impossible to think about winning tournaments today, What’s really possible is to enjoy the comeback. I don’t expect much… one year without being on the court.”
Further, He mentioned feeling significantly better than a year ago but acknowledged the challenge of having long-term goals at the moment.
“I don’t know how things are going to keep going, I’m not a player who tries to predict what can happen in the short term, and it’s tougher in the medium period of time.”
“I need to accept the adversity and that it’s not going to be perfect, just come with the right spirit every day.”
Rafael Nadal practices with ‘The Viking’ Holger Rune for his first ATP tournament of 2023.
Rafael Nadal participated in a practice session with World No. 8 Holger Rune on Pat Rafter Arena later on Thursday evening.
Holger Rune shared his excitement to be training with the Spanish legend with a post on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account. He tweeted :
“No time for jet lag 😜 Evening practice with @RafaelNadal @BrisbaneTennis🔛🔥”
The Spaniard arrived in Australia late on Wednesday evening, is gearing up to compete in his first tournament after almost a year past his injury. He expressed his excitement in an interview with brisbaneinternational.com.au.
“[I am] happy to be back on the tour and happy to be here in Brisbane after a few years.”
Rafael Nadal last competed in Brisbane in 2017, reaching the quarter-finals. He will be an unseeded player in The Brisbane International, which is set to commence on December 31.
