Top analyst ‘convinced’ Rafael Nadal will ‘win big titles again’ but expresses one ‘doubt’
Former world No 2 Alex Corretja is “convinced” Rafael Nadal will “win big titles again” in his 2024 comeback because he will possess “the winning gene in his heart” until he retires.
The two-time French Open runner-up revealed the “only doubt” he has over Nadal’s chances is how his body will react after his injury and not playing for a long period.
Nadal is set to make his long-awaited return to action at the Brisbane International ATP 250 tournament, which will run from December 31 until January 7. The Mallorcan will then compete at the Australian Open, which will begin on January 14.
The 37-year-old has not played since suffering a hip injury in his second round loss to Mackenzie McDonald at the 2023 Australian Open in January. The former world No 1 underwent surgery to address the issue in June, having initially expected to be out for around six to eight weeks.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion was forced to cancel his planned comeback during the 2023 clay-court season and missed the French Open for the first time since 2004.
Nadal admitted 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.
Corretja expressed his excitement ahead of Nadal’s return and explained why he is confident his great countryman will have success, despite having one concern.
“Just thinking and saying Rafa’s name, I get excited because of everything he transmits, the hopes that his return has generated, seeing that he is eager to compete again. For me, the results are really going to be the least important thing,” the Spaniard told Eurosport.
“He has the winning gene in his heart and he will have it until he retires. If he wins more or less matches, I am not worried about it, but if he is physically well and healthy and has no problems, I am convinced that we will see a Rafa who will win big titles again.
“For me, one of the uncertainties is to know how his body will react, not only from the injury he has had, but also from the possible adversities he may encounter at any given moment. Because when you haven’t played for a long time, you might have other problems.
“Maybe, because the shoulder does not expect so much ball, so much competition and can be resentful. Sometimes you have a little problem with your back, you may have a problem elsewhere in the body.
“That is the only doubt I have, because Rafa is so good that when he comes back he wins a lot of matches right away and that also makes him take an extra load of effort. So, I think that’s what he’s going to have to control very well, his training, his official matches.
“For me, with the way Rafa plays, he needs matches that are long, but not agonisingly long, that he doesn’t suffer too much. I think he is at a point in his career where he has to find a way to play with a kind of joy. I understand that he is a winner and he likes to succeed but it can’t be all suffering.”
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