When Rafael Nadal sustained a hip flexor injury during his second-round match at the Australian Open in January, it marked the first time Nadal’s wife, Maria Perello, broke down in tears while watching him struggle in pain. However, since then, the situation has changed, with Rafael Nadal gearing towards a better fitness level in 2024.
Nevertheless, the Spanish legend’s career record of 112-3 across 18 appearances at the French Open is still unmatched by any player at any Grand Slam event in the long annals of a sport that dates to the 1800s.
Craig Tiley discloses Nadal’s struggle with AO commitment
Australian Open CEO Craig Tiley has revealed that Rafael Nadal didn’t commit to playing the 2024 Australian Open earlier because he didn’t want to let his fans down in case things did not go as planned to compete in Melbourne. In October, Craig Tiley had announced the return of Rafael Nadal to the 2024 Australian Open but the tennis star issued a statement in which they said it wasn’t guaranteed that the 22-time Grand Slam champion would certainly be able to play at Melbourne Park in 2024.
However, last week, Nadal shared a video, in which he announced he would be returning to tennis at Brisbane International for preparation and then ompete at the Australian Open.
Tiley on why Rafael Nadal took his with confirming his Australian Open participation: “It’s fun talking to Rafa; that’s why this job is great … what a beautiful person. He was most concerned that he wasn’t going to be ready to play; he didn’t want to commit to playing and let his fans down by then having to pull out. He’s healthy, he’s practising well, he’s playing like Rafa plays and going all out. It took a while to make the announcement simply because he wanted to make sure he was going to be able to come and play,” Tiley said, via The West Australian.
Brisbane grants wild card to former world no. 6. Rafael Nadal
Brisbane International organizers have decided to give a main draw wildcard to Rafael Nadal. The Spanish legend currently sits at No. 664 in the world ranking and was ranked at No. 6 when he last played at the 2023 Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal not playing for over eight months due to injury means that he has met the criteria to be given a protected ranking position, which would allow him to play in up to nine tournaments in 2023 using a protected ranking of No 6. However, Rafael Nadal has only signed up to compete at the Brisbane International and the Australian Open.
Ahead of his comeback, Rafael Nadal admitted that he waited for his announcement because he didn’t want to promise something and later not be able to fulfill it. “I have been afraid to announce things because, in the end, it’s a year without competing and it’s a hip operation. But what worries me the most is not the hip, it’s everything else. I think I’m ready, and I trust and hope that things go well and that it gives me the opportunity to enjoy myself on the court.”
Meanwhile, even with the optimism extended to Rafael Nadal’s 2024 comeback, he is training very hard every day to see that he gives his best at the tournaments. Will Nadal be able to display top performances in 2024? Make sure to let us know in the comments section.
