World number one Novak Djokovic expresses optimism about Rafael Nadal’s competitive return to tennis at the upcoming Australian Open, despite the Spaniard’s recent injury absence.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion at 37, is set to make his comeback in Brisbane this weekend as a prelude to the first major tournament of the year.
Nadal’s Absence and Comeback
Rafael Nadal’s last competitive match was a second-round loss to American Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in January. Now, gearing up for the 2024 edition, commencing on January 14 in Melbourne, Nadal’s return is eagerly anticipated.
Novak Djokovic’s Confidence in Nadal
Novak Djokovic, 36, who clinched three Grand Slam titles in 2023, surpassing Nadal with a record 24 for his career, expresses his unwavering belief in Nadal’s capabilities. Despite Nadal’s injury woes and being written off by critics, Djokovic remains confident in his competitor’s resilience.
Embed from Getty Images“I always expect him [Nadal] to play at his best, to be honest,” Djokovic states. Drawing parallels to his own experiences, Djokovic notes that both he and Nadal have defied expectations in the past. Emphasizing Nadal’s competitive spirit, Djokovic highlights that Nadal doesn’t return to the tour merely for the sake of playing but with a determination to win titles and be the best, showcasing why he is a legend of the sport.
“He’s not a kind of player that will come back to the tour just to play – let’s say – on a medium level, play a few matches. He wants to win titles; he wants to be the best. That’s why he is who he is: a legend of our sport. I’m sure that his training and preparation are done to win a Grand Slam,” Djokovic affirms.
Nadal’s Statement on 2024 Season
Rafael Nadal has acknowledged that 2024 is likely to be his final season on the tour. After undergoing surgery for a hip injury and experiencing a significant drop to 670th in the world rankings, Nadal is determined to make his last season memorable.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Endorsement
World number two Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz having recently played in an exhibition match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, echoes Djokovic’s sentiments regarding Nadal’s readiness for action.
Embed from Getty Images“I saw some videos of him practising; he’s 100%,” asserts the 20-year-old Alcaraz. Drawing on feedback from fellow players who practised with Nadal in recent weeks, Alcaraz indicates that Nadal is poised to return to his top-level performance. Expressing confidence in Nadal’s potential for success in the upcoming season, Alcaraz believes that the Spanish veteran is prepared for significant achievements.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the anticipation surrounding Rafael Nadal’s return to competitive tennis at the Australian Open is buoyed by the confidence of both Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. As Nadal aims to overcome his injury challenges and make a lasting impact in his potentially final season, the tennis world eagerly awaits his performance on the courts of Melbourne.
As he prepares to make his comeback after a year’s absence, Rafael Nadal admits he is not even thinking about winning tournaments at this stage. The former world number one has not played a match since injuring his hip during a second-round contest at the Australian Open in January but will take his place in the draw at the Brisbane International, which begins on Sunday.