Rafael Nadal admits to ‘disaster’ fears and reveals goal he has set after impressive return

Add as a preferred source on Google
Rafael Nadal Brisbane 2024
Rafael Nadal speaks to the press in Brisbane

Rafael Nadal has admitted to worrying he could “be a disaster” ahead of his comeback after delivering an impressive display to beat Dominic Thiem in Brisbane.

The former world No 1 explained he has a “medium term” goal of being “competitive in a good level” in a “couple of months” and stressed his approach is to “try to enjoy every single day.”

Nadal downed world No 98 Dominic Thiem 7-5, 6-1 in the opening round of the 2024 Brisbane International on Tuesday in his first match in almost a year.

The Spaniard brought a high level as he broke the 30-year-old Austrian three times and did not face a break point on his own serve in a convincing victory.

The 37-year-old had not played a singles match since suffering a hip injury in a defeat to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion was defeated alongside partner Marc Lopez in the doubles event in Brisbane on his return to the match court on December 31.

Nadal described the emotions he felt during his win against 2020 US Open champion Thiem and revealed the doubts he had about his comeback.

“I think it’s something very easy to explain. When you are doing things that you are not used to do, you have more nerves than usual because when you are doing things almost every day, you know more or less what’s going on,” the current world No 672 said in his post-match press conference.

“You can play a little bit better, a little bit worse, but you have a standard that you know that you’re going to reach that level. In that case it’s a combination of things.

“First thing, the emotions to be back on court after a long time and after a very tough process. Second thing, the doubts about your physical performance.

“And third thing, it’s about you go on court – I know I have been practising okay last week, practising I think at a positive level. You go on court, and you have the doubts if you are going to go there and going to be a disaster, because it can happen, honestly.

“It’s not a thing that I am saying here to protect myself at all. I don’t need it. I am not here to use any excuse at all. No, I know what’s going on. Myself, people who have been next to me knows how I felt one month and a half ago. I’m talking with the hand on the heart and being very honest with all of you.

“It’s not all that you go on court and you have more nerves than usual because you really at the end hope that you’re going to play at this level, but inside yourself you know that can be a disaster, and that, of course, worried me.”

The Mallorcan also gave a positive assessment of his performance and outlined how he is approaching his comeback.

“I have been playing solid without making a lot of mistakes in terms of unforced errors but in terms of making bad decisions. I think I didn’t make a lot of bad decisions choosing the shots that I have to play, and that’s something difficult after such a long time. Something that I’m happy with,” Nadal added.

“My way to approach is just try to enjoy every single day that I have the chance to be on court. If I am able to play more matches, it will be more helpful in terms of recovering things that you need to recover if you want to be competitive.

“For me my goal is still medium term, in a couple of months to try to be, again, competitive. Now, if I am competitive, fantastic, but it’s something that I, for me, is going to be a big surprise if I am competitive in a good level. Let’s see. Day by day. Today is a positive day. Let’s see after tomorrow.”

READ MORE: Rafael Nadal edges closer to incredible Novak Djokovic record after ATP Tour comeback win

Related Articles