Rafael Nadal, who has been sidelined by a hip injury for a year, is set to make his comeback at the Brisbane International. He expressed his satisfaction at being able to participate, stating, “Just to be here is a victory.” Additionally, Naomi Osaka is also returning to the court and is slated to play her first match since 2022.
Rafael Nadal is returning to tennis after a year-long absence due to a hip injury. The 37-year-old Spanish legend will make his comeback at the Brisbane International, his first tournament in almost 12 months. Despite a fan appearance and expectations from supporters, Nadal is downplaying expectations, stating that he will not put pressure on himself to win the title in Brisbane or a third Australian Open crown later in January.
“It’s impossible to think about winning tournaments today,” he said. “What’s really possible is to enjoy the comeback. I don’t expect much – one year without being on the court.
“I don’t say that nothing is impossible, but just to be here is a victory.”
Rafael Nadal mentioned his wins at Melbourne Park, recalling his unexpected victories in 2009 and 2022. In 2009, he defeated Fernando Verdasco in the semi-final, followed by a win against Roger Federer in the final. In 2022, after being sidelined with a foot injury for six months, he came back to win the final against Daniil Medvedev after being two sets behind.
“I still don’t know [how he won that in 2009]. Before the match it was impossible to imagine myself winning that match,” he said.
He has indicated that 2024 may mark his final year on the professional tour, citing improved fitness as a source of encouragement. He expressed feeling better than he had anticipated a month prior.
“I can’t have super long-term goals because I don’t see myself playing a super long time,” he said on Friday.
“I don’t know how things are going to keep going. I’m not a player who tries to predict what can happen in the short term, and it’s even tougher in the medium period of time.
“How I need to approach this process is accepting the adversity and that things aren’t going to be perfect at the beginning. I just have to stay with the right attitude and the working spirit every day.”
Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka, who is now a mother, is set to make her WTA return at the tournament. Similarly to Nadal, she isn’t concentrating on winning the title in Brisbane.
“That’s a tough question because I haven’t played in more than a year. I don’t know. I think I have given myself the biggest chance to do well but at the same time I haven’t had any match play. Of course, this is the first tournament of the year as well, so I think I’m just embracing the fact that it’s my first tournament in a very long time,” she said.
Osaka, a two-time Australian Open and US Open champion, withdrew from the Australian Open last year due to pregnancy. She expressed that motherhood has brought significant changes to her life and perspective. Osaka also highlighted the physical strength she gained from giving birth and her motivation to show her daughter that she is capable of achieving anything. She is set to make her comeback in Brisbane.
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