“Unexplored territory”: Rafael Nadal slows down before comeback
Rafael Nadal is trying to temper expectations - especially his own - ahead of his comeback on tour.
by SID
last edit:
Dec 06, 2023, 11:39 am
"I'm ready and I hope that everything goes well and that I can enjoy it on the court," said the 22-time Grand Slam winner in an Instagram video: "But I don't expect anything from myself ."
Nadal wants to return to the tennis court at the ATP tournament in Brisbane (December 31st to January 7th) after an injury break of almost a year. It is important for him not to want too much. "I need the ability to not ask of myself what I've asked of myself my entire career," said the 37-year-old.
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"I'm in uncharted territory," Nadal continued: "I've internalized the idea of demanding the maximum from myself. Now I hope that I can accept that things will be very difficult at the beginning and that I can do that give the necessary time."
Following the tournament in Brisbane, Nadal also plans to compete in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, the Australian Open in Melbourne (from January 14th). He was injured there in the second round at the beginning of the year and has been struggling with hip problems since then - including having to undergo an operation.