YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE RAFA FIRST ROUND IN THE HOTEL": GORAN IVANISEVIC CALLS

The imminent return of Rafael Nadal
to theATP tour has been labeled as the “best
news is tennis,” according toGoran Ivanisevic
, coach of World No.1 Novak
Djokovic .

Nadal has been sidelined since suffering a hip injury in the second round of
the 2023Australian Open . The
22-time Grand Slam champion had surgery to correct the issue in June, and has
been recuperating and training in Mallorca. However, the Spaniard recently
revealed he would be making a comeback to the ATP tour, with his return
tournament yet to be announced.

In an interview following Djokovic’s title run in Turin, Ivanisevic spoke on
the 2024 season, highlighting the fact that Nadal’s comeback make the tour even
more competitive.

“I think next year’s going to be very, very competitive and interesting year,”
said Ivanisevic. “If [it] is true that Rafa is coming [back], this is for me
the best news in tennis. I love Rafa. Is going to be interesting, Rafa not
seeded.

He can play first round anybody. You don’t want to see Rafa first round in the
hotel (smiling). It’s great for tennis. Rafa will come only if he’s 100% ready.
And when Rafa is ready, I think he still has something to say in this left arm.”