When Rafael Nadal turned pro in 2003 at just 17 years old, he suffered an elbow injury that forced him to postpone his debut at the French Open. Since then, Nadal has faced 13 major injuries, resulting in him missing four and a half years of Grand Slam events. Nevertheless, the 37-year-old star never gives up. CEO Craig Tiley has revealed that he is in close contact with Nadal, and the Spaniard is gearing up for a comeback at the Australian Open in 2024.
Rafael Nadal has been absent from the court after sustaining a hip injury during a second round match at the Australian Open in January and it was the sixth time injury or illness ruined his Australian Open campaign
Is Rafael Nadal going to play Australian Open 2024?
Rafael Nadal is officially scheduled to be back in action at the Australian Open, as confirmed by Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley on Wednesday. Speaking to Channel Nine’s, Tiley revealed that the 37-year-old is preparing to compete in the 2024 first Grand Slam tournament—dispelling any doubts early retirement amid a season that has seen Nadal sidelined with injury, as he gears up for what appears to be his farewell 2024 season.
“We can reveal exclusively here that Rafa will be back. He’s been off for most of the year, and in talking to him over the last few days he confirmed he will be back, which we’re really excited about. That’s awesome,” Tiley revealed.
Rafael Nadal has won the Australian Open twice, defeating Roger Federer in the 2009 final and overcoming injury to topple Daniil Medvedev in 2022 for his 21st Grand Slam title—a tally that hit 22 later that year at Roland Garros.
Tiley’s announcement also confirms Nadal’s own comeback timeline. The 37-year-old competed in just one tournament this year, crashing out of the tournament due to hip injury that would derail his 2023 season. Nadal took the entire season off to recover, and announced that 2024 would likely be his final year on tour.
“I just want to give myself the opportunity to compete again for what will be my last year,” Nadal said in Spetember. “I hope that 2024 is not just a year of simple appearances, but a year where I can win the tournaments I play. It will be difficult, but we have to hope for it.”
When asked about Naomi Osaka, whose anticipated return from maternity leave will be another major storyline in Melbourne, Tiley highlighted the return of Nick Kyrgios in Australia after dropping the big news about the 22-time Grand Slam winner
Which Injury sidelined Rafael Nadal for so long?
Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, has been sidelined since January and underwent arthroscopic hip surgery in June. Nadal intends to make a comeback in 2024, marking his return to the ATP Tour following his early exit from this year’s Australian Open due to a hip injury.
Asked about taking a break from the game, he said: “I’ve got to draw a line and that’s what I’m doing now. Over the next few months I’m going to strengthen my physical state and recuperate. I need to put my career on hold and I’m going to try and regenerate my body. I’m not going to set a deadline – that’s going to be when I will feel ready physically.”
Nadal added that he hoped to make one final farewell appearance at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The enforced absence has seen Nadal’s world ranking drop to 240.
