Spanish tennis superstar Rafael Nadal is aiming for his comeback to the Grand Slam stage at the Australian Open in January after a year-long injury break.
Tournament director Craig Tiley announced this on Wednesday (October 11th, 2023) on the Australian broadcaster “Nine”. “I have contacted his team and he is now back on the pitch and looking forward to returning to Melbourne in January”said Tiley.
Nadal responded with a thank you on social networks, but without explicitly confirming the plans: “I appreciate the vote of confidence from the Australian Open. I train every day and work hard to get back as quickly as possible,” Nadal wrote on X.
Nadal wants to win the tournament
The 22nd time Grand Slam champion Nadal had his last match to date last January at the Australian Open played before a persistent hip flexor injury put him out of action. The 37-year-old had already announced in May that he wanted to return to the tour next season; 2024 would most likely be his last year as a tennis professional.
“He won’t just come to play, he will come to win”said Tiley. Nadal has already triumphed twice in Melbourne, most recently in 2022. According to Tiley, local hero Nick Kyrgios should also be back after a long injury break Australian Open crack open.