Boris Becker makes ‘suffering’ claim as he assesses Rafael Nadal comeback expectations
Boris Becker has declared that Rafael Nadal will have to “suffer a little” in the early months of his comeback so he can find his best game in time for the French 2024 Open.
The former world No 1 does not think Nadal’s expectations will be “sky-high” for the Australian Open and thinks winning “a few matches” in Melbourne would represent a good result.
Nadal is set to make his long-awaited return to action at the Brisbane International tournament in January in preparation for the 2024 Australian Open.
The Spaniard has not competed since suffering a hip injury in his second round loss to Mackenzie McDonald at the 2023 Australian Open in January. The 37-year-old underwent surgery to address the issue in June, having initially expected to be out for only six to eight weeks.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion was forced to cancel his planned comeback during this year’s clay-court season and missed the French Open for the first time since 2004.
Nadal revealed earlier this month there are “many chances” that 2024 could be his last year as a professional, but he did not rule out the prospect of playing longer if he is able to.
The former world No 1 won his most recent title at the 2022 French Open, where he claimed a record-extending 14th crown with a straight-set final victory over Casper Ruud.
READ MORE: Carlos Moya reveals why Rafael Nadal is ‘convinced’ he can be ‘competitive’ ahead of comeback
Speaking on Eurosport Germany’s Das Gelbe vom Ball podcast, Becker analysed Nadal’s imminent comeback and highlighted Roland Garros as the goal for his fellow great to build towards.
“I don’t think his expectations for Melbourne are sky-high right now: if he wins a few matches there, good for him,” the six-time Grand Slam champion assessed.
“He will then concentrate on the clay-court tournaments early on. He’ll definitely play Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid and maybe even Rome in order to be 100 per cent fit again in Paris.
“His goal has to be Roland Garros, and then the Olympics, both of which will be played in Paris on clay. But he has to play first: he will only gain match fitness and match practice by playing in matches.
“So, he has to suffer a little so that he gets better in March, April, until he can play his best game in May.”
Becker, who coached world No 1 Novak Djokovic between 2014 and 2016, has been working with world No 8 Holger Rune since October.
READ MORE: Realistic targets for Rafael Nadal and Emma Raducanu as new comeback footage is released
