Rafael Nadal makes honest admission about winning titles but asserts ‘nothing is impossible’
Rafael Nadal has declared that it is “impossible to think about winning tournaments today” ahead of his comeback at the 2024 Brisbane International tournament.
The tennis icon expressed that “just being here is a victory” and admitted he is not setting “super long-term goals” because he does not expect to be playing “for a super long time.”
Nadal 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 around six to eight weeks.
The former world No 1 was forced to abandon his intended comeback during this year’s clay-court season and missed Roland Garros for the first time since 2004.
The Spaniard won his 22nd and most recent title at the 2022 French Open, where he defeated Casper Ruud in a straight-set final to claim a record-extending 14th crown.
Nadal is set to return to action at the Brisbane International – an ATP 250 event which will run from December 31 until January 7 – ahead of the 2024 Australian Open.
At a promotional event in Brisbane prior to his imminent return to the match court, Nadal explained he was feeling positive, but stressed winning tournaments was not on his mind.
“I am feeling good. I can’t complain. I feel much better today than what I expected one month ago, but for me, it’s impossible to think about winning tournaments today,” the Mallorcan said.
“What’s possible is to enjoy the comeback to the court. I don’t expect much, honestly. The only thing that I expect is to be able to go on court, to feel myself competitive and to give my best.
“It’s not like I’ve been practising with good intensity for the last six months. I just have been practising for the last month in a very good intensity.
“Nothing is impossible. But for me, just being here is a victory, and I hope that I will have a chance to enjoy, and the crowd too. I cannot have super long-term goals because I don’t see myself playing for a super long time.
“But in my mind, I’m going to try to give myself the opportunity to be more and more competitive as the season keeps going.”
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