In January, some of the world’s top tennis players, including Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, Angelique Kerber, and local favorite Nick Kyrgios, will be participating in the Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal will participate in the Australian Open in January, along with players like Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, Angelique Kerber, and local favorite Nick Kyrgios, as confirmed by tournament director Craig Tiley.
Nadal, who is 37 years old, underwent hip surgery earlier this year and will now make a comeback to the sport.
Rafael Nadal, a top tennis player with 22 Grand Slam titles, hasn’t played since January due to a hip flexor injury he sustained during a match at the Australian Open.
He had surgery on his hip in June and was supposed to be out for around five months.
“We can reveal exclusively here that Rafa will be back,” Tiley said on The Today Show.
“He’s been off for most of the year and in talking to him over the last few days he confirmed he will be back, which we’re really excited about, the champion of 2022. That’s awesome.”
Nadal plans to retire after the 2024 season due to injuries.
The Spaniard’s ranking has dropped to 240, but he can still receive a protected ranking because he has been injured and hasn’t played in any tennis events for at least six months.
Nadal has won the Australian Open twice. In 2022, he defeated Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the final, making a remarkable comeback from being two sets down. This victory also made him the first man in the Open Era to achieve such a comeback and win the tournament.
Three former winners of the Australian Open women’s singles – Osaka, Wozniacki, and Kerber – will be making their return. Kyrgios is also expected to play as he recovers from knee and wrist injuries.
“Nick is also doing his utmost to get back to his best and is plotting his return to the court,” said Tiley. “We know how much competing at the Australian Open means to him and he never fails to bring excitement and passion. His amazing brand of tennis and showmanship always adds something very special to the tournament.”
The tournament will take place from January 14th to 28th, and it will begin on a Sunday, which is a change from previous years.
The Australian Open and the French Open are the only tennis Grand Slams that last for 15 days.
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