Rafa Nadal Laments After Novak Djokovic Called Him Out On A Challenge To Engage In….

Rafa Nadal

Laments After Novak Djokovic Called Him Out On A Challenge To Engage In…
Nov 17, 2023

Earlier, Australian Open director Craig Tiley announced that Nadal is set to
feature in the season-opening Grand Slam, Down Under. But Nadal had been
non-committal in the public.

After an injury-marred year, there were concerns around Rafael Nadal’s return
to the game. On Thursday, however, the Spaniard gave the strongest hint yet
that there is still tennis left in him and a comeback is definitely on the
cards.

Nadal, who has played just four matches on the tour all year, underwent
surgery on a hip muscle in June after withdrawing from a spate of events during
his favourite clay court season.

“I confirmed yesterday I’ll be back, Stay tuned these days when I decide and
announce with my team when and where,” Nadal posted a message on his social
media channels.

Elaborating his plans for a comeback, Nadal told ATP Tour that the hope was
always there that he would play at some level once again but only can he
confirm that he is ready to step back onto the courts once again.

Until now I didn’t know if I would play tennis again someday, and now I
genuinely believe I will. I’m still not ready to say when, but I’m able to
train increasingly longer, and the progress is good,” he was quoted as saying.

We know that the pain will never disappear, but I’ve taken a step forward,”
added the Spaniard. “That’s a lot for me. Talking about tennis is another
matter altogether, as is the level I’ll be able to play at. But the steps
toward trying to play again have been big and positive, which is what we have
been fighting for for several months. I’m confident I’ll be able to say
something more specific in the coming weeks.”

In May this year, Nadal had announced his withdrawal from Roland Garros,
missing out altogether at his favourite tournament for the first time in his
career. Back then, he had hinted that – if he is able to make a comeback after
all – that 2024 could well be his last season as a professional. “I try to
enjoy and try to say goodbye [to] all the tournaments that have been important
for me in my tennis career during [next] year and just try to enjoy that that,
being competitive and enjoying being on court,” he had said then.