Rafael Nadal hits the court for the first time in almost a year as Spaniard vows to be ‘competitive’ at the Australian Open
- Rafael Nadal was back on court in Brisbane
- There were fears that his career was over this year
- But he's hoping for one last hurray in Australia
Rafael Nadal was back on the court for the first time since his long injury layoff, a welcome sight for tennis fans in the run-up to the Australian Open.
The 37-year-old Nadal has not played professionally since January, when he failed to defend his title Down Under. Back-to-back hip injuries have hampered the Spaniard all year, leading to fears for his playing future.
But he will be hoping for one last hurray in Australia next month and moved freely on the field in Queensland on Thursday, where he will play the Brisbane International.
Nadal has previously admitted that 2024 will likely be his last season, during which he plans to say goodbye to his adoring fans, “enjoy again” but also be competitive.
“I don't know at what level (I can play), I don't know what to expect, I have no idea, but that doesn't matter to me right now,” Nadal said this month, looking ahead to 2024.
Rafael Nadal was back on court on Thursday for the first time in almost a year
The 37-year-old will be hoping for one last hurray at the Australian Open next month
“I'm just happy to be back and put in the effort it takes to have fun with great enthusiasm, and I believe I'll be competitive.”
Nadal's coach Carlos Moya admitted he had doubts about his star's future in the sport and revealed how difficult it has been for the Spaniard to even make it to Brisbane.
“When you go through a process like this surgery… ultimately, going under the knife is really a last resort to try to make a comeback and retire from the court,” he told the ATP Tour website last week .
'Aware of those risks, he tried it because it was the only option for him if he wanted to come back.
'It hasn't been a bed of roses, far from it. It has been a winding, winding road, with many twists and turns.”
There were major doubts about Nadal's career, but he hopes to be competitive again