Rafael Nadal hinted on Sunday that he might leave the door open for continuing his tennis career beyond the 2024 season but admitted there was a “high percentage” that he was on his last trip as a player to Australia.
In a press conference ahead of his comeback from a 12-month injury absence at the Brisbane International, the 37-year-old Spaniard expressed uncertainty about his future.
While stating that it was likely his last time playing in Australia, Nadal emphasized the unpredictability of the future. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who underwent surgery for a hip injury last year, described the last year as tough but affirmed that he had never lost his love for the sport.
Nadal’s singles comeback will begin with a match against a qualifier in Brisbane, and he will also make a doubles return later.
Despite acknowledging the challenges of his injury, Nadal expressed a determination to keep going. While reflecting on the absence, he highlighted that it allowed his body to heal, and he no longer wakes up every morning in pain.
However, he tempered expectations for the upcoming season, emphasizing a week-by-week approach and acknowledging the unpredictability of the journey ahead.
Source: AFP
