The 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has announced his much-anticipated return to competitive tennis. He will be back on the court in the first week of January, participating in the Brisbane International, which will commence on December 31 and end on January 7.
Having not participated in any form of tennis since his elimination from the Australian Open 2023, where he suffered a defeat to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round, the 37-year-old Nadal is poised to make a return to the tennis court after a year. Currently ranked no. 663 on the ATP circuit, Nadal is set to resume competitive play.
‘I am going to work hard to finish my career in the right way. Hello everyone, after a year away from competition, it’s time to come back. It will be in Brisbane, the first week of January. I’ll see you there,” said Nadal in the video which confirmed his comeback into the Australian Open.
"I don't think I deserve to end like this. I believe I have worked hard all my sport life. So, that my end isn't here at a press conference. I am going to finish my career in the right way," Nadal added.
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Earlier in 2023, in May, Nadal conducted a press conference at his academy, declaring his decision not to participate in the French Open 2023.
In June, the holder of 22 Grand Slam singles titles experienced a significant drop, falling out of the top 100 rankings for the first time in 20 years. This decline resulted from the loss of 2000 ATP points, attributed to his withdrawal from Roland Garros, a title he had won a record 14 times.
A hip injury sustained during the Australian Open 2023 has sidelined Nadal for an extended period.
While he hasn't addressed his involvement in the Australian Open 2024, it is reasonable to anticipate his participation in the tournament, using the Brisbane event as a preparation platform.
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