Rafael Nadal says he has low expectations on his return to the ATP circuit but despite admitting that he is in “uncharted territory”, the Spaniard believes he will find momentum.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion admitted that “things could go wrong” or could at least be “difficult in the beginning.”
Nadal has not played since sustaining a hip injury in the R2 loss against Mackenzie McDonald at the 2023 Australian Open in January. He made several comebacks but couldn’t succeed which forced him to undergo a surgery on the affected part in June. Initially expected to be out for around 6-8 weeks, Nadal was unable to make a return and barring the first four match of his 2023 season, couldn’t play any tournament from clay, grass and hardcourt swings. He had to withdraw from the Roland Garros for the first time since 2004 and in a press conference in June revealed that 2024 could potentially conclude as farewell tour of his career.
The 37-year-old dealt with frequent injury setback throughout his remarkable career but 2023 marked his longest absence since entering the ATP tour – almost a year if he is able to play at Brisbane.
In a social media video shared by his accounts, Nadal spoke his mind ahead of his long awaited comeback while hinting that he is wary of comeback challenge.
“It’s been a long time, so I hope, first of all, to feel again those nerves, that expectancy, those fears, those doubts,” said the former World No. 1.
“I expect from myself not to expect anything. This is the truth. To have the ability not to demand of myself what I have demanded of myself throughout my career. I believe I’m in a different moment, in a different situation, in uncharted territory.
“I have internalized what I’ve had throughout my life, which is to demand the maximum of myself. And right now what I really hope is to be able to not do that, to not demand the maximum from myself, to accept that things are going to be very difficult at the beginning and to give myself the necessary time and to forgive myself if things go wrong at the beginning, which is a very big possibility.
“But knowing that there may be a not-too-distant future where things can change, if I keep the dream and the spirit of work and my body responds, no doubt,” said Nadal.
The Mallorcan who will open his campaign at the Brisbane Open, is a two-time Australian Open champion, having triumphed in the Melbourne Park in 2009 and 2022.