Rafael Nadal’s return date appears to have been confirmed after Australian Open heartbreak
Rafael Nadal’s hopes of playing at the 2024 Australian Open were dashed by an injury in his comeback tournament, but it appears his time away from the court may be brief.
The 37-year-old Spaniard, who had surgery on the psoas tendon in his left hip in June, was making his comeback at the Brisbane tournament.
Nadal required medical treatment during his quarter-final loss to Jordan Thompson, and the 22-time grand slam champion said in a post on X: “During my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried.
“Once I got to Melbourne I have had the chance to make an MRI and I have a micro tear on a muscle, not in the same part where I had the injury and that’s good news.
“Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of exigence in five sets matches. I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest.
“I have worked very hard during the year for this comeback and as I always mentioned my goal is to be at my best level in three months.
“Within the sad news for me for not being able to play in front of the amazing Melbourne crowds, this is not very bad news and we all remain positive with the evolution for the season.
“I really wanted to play here in Australia and I have had the chance to play a few matches that made me very happy and positive. Thanks all for the support and see you soon!”
The initial suspicion was that Nadal would target the clay court season to make his comeback to the game, but it appears he could be back in time to play in the Indian Wells and Miami Masters in March.
Australian Open chief Craig Tiley spoke to Nadal before he left Melbourne and he has claimed the Spaniard may be back on court next month and he has also not ruled out playing at next year’s tournament in Melbourne, even though he has strongly hinted this will be his final year as a professional tennis player.
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“He will be ready hopefully in February and I wish him well,” Tiley said after his conversation with Nadal on the AO podcast.
“I just told him we’re looking forward to see him in January 2025. He didn’t say no. His reaction was, ‘If I’m playing, feeling good and not injured, I’ll be back.'”
Nadal is clearly keeping his options open as he weighs up what comes next in his career and while he may be tempted to make a return at the Monte Carlo Masters in April, a quicker comeback would be preferable if we are witnessing the final few tournaments of his iconic career.
While the injury Nadal suffered was clearly too much for him to play in Melbourne, there appears to be optimism that the 22-time Grand Slam champion will be back on court soon.
If Tiley’s projection for Nadal’s return is accurate, it may be that he plays an event before the Indian Wells and Miami Masters next month.
