By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, December 1, 2023
Rafael Nadal will return to competition in Brisbane the first week of January.
Photo credit: MGM Resorts International
The New Year ushers in tennis celebration: Rafa Time.
Rafael Nadal announced he will make his long-awaited return at next month's Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia.
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"Hi everyone. After a year out of competition, the time has come to return," Nadal said in a video posted on his social media channels. "It will be in Brisbane and it will be the first week of January.
"See you there."
Brisbane will be Nadal's first competition since he hobbled out of the 2023 Australian Open.
American Mackenzie McDonald toppled the top-seeded and injured Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in the 2023 Australian Open second round.
Recovering from the arthroscopic surgery Nadal underwent on the left psoas tendon back on June 2nd, compelled him to pull the plug on his 2023 season.
The 37-year-old Spanish superstar is currently ranked No. 663. Nadal's Brisbane entry is an encouraging sign for him returning to the Australian Open, which starts on January 14th.
A Brisbane International fan favorite, Nadal made his Brisbane debut in 2017, with the tournament providing an opportunity to prepare for the Australian Open.
At the 2022 Australian Open, Nadal made a heroic come back from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev in a match that lasted five hours and 24 minutes. The epic victory marked his record 21st Grand Slam title. He went on to win his 22nd at Roland Garros.
“We are thrilled to have Rafa make his return to tennis here in Brisbane and know his fans will be very excited,” Brisbane International Tournament Director Cam Pearson said.
The combined WTA 500 and ATP 250 tournament will also feature Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka, Andy Murray, Victoria Azarenka, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, as well as world No.8 Holger Rune, world No.14 Grigor Dimitrov and world No.17 Ben Shelton when it returns to the Queensland Tennis Centre from December 31, 2023 to January 7, 2024.
Last month, Nadal posted training video of him thumping his trademark forehand with vigor. Nadal posted this training video on social media yesterday.
In a Movistar Plus + interview with Juanma Castaño last month—his first major interview since undergoing hip surgery on June 2nd—Nadal reiterated his belief 2024 will possibly be his final season.
However, the king of clay made it clear he is not closing the door to continuing to compete if his body can cope with the rigors of the pro circuit.
"I said that possibly 2024 will be my last year. I stand by it, but I can't confirm it 100 percent,” Nadal told Juanma Castaño. “I think there's a good chance yes, because I know how my body is but how I'll be in four months, I don't know.
"I'm not sure what I will do in 2024, because it will change completely depending on whether I have some objectives or others. If I don't recover it's one thing, if I can compete at a level that excites me is another.”