Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal once again lowered expectations ahead of his comeback upon his arrival in Australia. “I can’t complain. I feel much better today than I expected a month ago, but for me it’s impossible to think about winning the tournament today,” said the 37-year-old.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner is celebrating his eagerly awaited return to the tennis court at the ATP tournament in Brisbane (December 31st to January 7th). The Spanish clay court specialist had been out since January with severe hip flexor problems and had to undergo an operation, among other things. The 2024 season is expected to be his last.
“I don’t expect much, to be honest,” said Nadal, he mainly wanted to “enjoy the comeback on the court.” The old master then plans to compete at the Australian Open in Melbourne (from January 14th).
Tennis: Novak Djokovic is aiming for his next triumph
Grand Slam record winner Novak Djokovic is aiming for his next triumph there; the Serb has won four of the last five editions. The only exception was in 2022, when he was expelled from the country because he refused to be vaccinated against Corona – Nadal won then.
“When I return to Australia, I always feel like I have played my best tennis in recent years and have had great support,” Djokovic said on Thursday, looking ahead to another season with three Grand Slam titles.
But like Nadal, the 36-year-old is also aware of his advanced age. “I’m not sure, I don’t really have a plan for what will happen next year,” Djokovic said. “I’m taking it one season at a time to see how far it takes me.”