Rafael Nadal’s 2024 return faced an early setback after the Spaniard suffered a micro-tear at the Brisbane International in January. This was his first tournament after a long break.
The former world No. 1 is scheduled to return to action at the ATP250 tournament in Doha in late February. The 37-year-old also gave fans a massive update on social media, uploading a video of him practicing on court.
In the video, Nadal is seen in good fitness, full of energy and enthusiasm, combining a powerful forehand with almost a backhand. Here’s the video:
Nadal had been out for a year until the Brisbane International, where Jannik Sinner won the men’s singles trophy at the Australian Open and was expected to challenge for the title.
In his first match back in Brisbane, Nadal started with two wins but then lost to Jordan Thompson due to injury. Despite his setback, he revealed it wasn’t in the same spot as his previous injury.
2024 could be Nadal’s big year in competitive tennis. In December, Nadal said in a video posted to X (formerly known as Twitter) that this year could be his last.
“It’s a reality. There are definitely many possibilities that this will be my last year. It could be only six months, it could be a whole year, it could be that we don’t make it.” I get to all of them..These are things I don’t have the ability to answer right now, this is the truth,” he said.
Nadal, who missed out on the Australian Open, still has a chance to challenge for three other Grand Slam titles. Wimbledon, French Open, US Open. Wimbledon is scheduled to start on July 1st, the French Open on May 26th, and the US Open on August 26th.