Whether 2024 proves the final season in an illustrious career for the Spaniard, only he and his body can decide that. However, 22-time Major champion Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will end a year-long layoff after a troublesome hip injury in Brisbane next month as the field across both tours intensifies at one of four 250 events in the country before the Australian Open begins on January 14.
Nadal now a lock for Brisbane, alongside Murray and more
- Although he’s been slowly returning to full fitness, Nadal’s Australian Open participation was doubtful. This news is a welcome boost especially after the magic he produced post-injury in 2022. During a video on X, the 37-year-old said: “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.”
- Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and 2022 Wimbledon titlist Elena Rybakina were unveiled as participants this past Tuesday, in what will be an expanded WTA 500 event from 32 to 48 main-draw players
- Past tournament champions Andy Murray, Grigor Dimitrov were unveiled in a press release three weeks earlier – alongside Victoria Azarenka and Naomi Osaka while there will be debuts for Holger Rune and Ben Shelton
22-time Major champion Rafael Nadal hasn’t competed since hobbling to a straight-sets defeat by Mackenzie McDonald in round two at this year’s Australian Open.
An initial six-to-eight week recovery timeline proved anything but accurate as he failed to heal and after withdrawing from the French Open, where he was a defending champion with 14 titles to his name, the rest of his year was written off.
Undergoing arthroscopic surgery, it was yet another setback for an injury-prone player who has been dealing with various ailments throughout his career.
He announced in May that 2024 would likely be his final season on tour and four months later, echoed the uncertainty that makes this upcoming return even more fascinating viewing next month given the ever-growing young guns on scene.
What did he say?
May: “My idea, my motivation is to try to say goodbye to all the tournaments that have been important for me in my career and just enjoy being competitive on court, which today is not possible.”
September: “I said that 2024 is likely to be my last year and I stand by that but I cannot confirm it 100%, even I don’t know.”
Whether his body can hold up to the physical toll of competitive play again, especially deep in tournaments, is unclear. 2024 represents another packed year, not least with the Olympic Games in Paris – hallowed turf for him – and an opportunity for the two-time Olympic champion to shine for his native Spain once more.
You’d be wise not to doubt him, mind.
Picture source: Getty Images, Nadal’s quotes origin here
Mo and Sports 