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A 22-time Major champion Rafael Nadal will compete again, extending his career! Rafa shared the fantastic news with his fans, saying he would announce his comeback tournament in the upcoming days! This likely means that Rafa will travel to Australia before the season's first Major event in Melbourne, working hard at home in Mallorca and improving his physical shape.
Plagued with injury throughout his career, Nadal experienced a massive blow this January, wondering if he would compete again. Not giving up, the veteran underwent surgery and started a recovery process a couple of months ago after enjoying the summer with his family and friends.
Rafa claimed two Major titles in 2022, conquering the Australian Open and Roland Garros and standing alone at 22 Major crowns. However, things went from bad to worse for him since then, suffering two severe injuries and playing only 13 matches after last year's Wimbledon.
Nadal hurt his abdominal muscle at Wimbledon, struggling to serve and withdrawing ahead of the semi-final duel with Nick Kyrgios. It remains Nadal's last great run, playing only a few tournaments and collecting a couple of wins.
Rafa is ranked outside the top-600 this week, keeping only the points from this year's Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal is ready to compete again in 2024.
The Spaniard lost the ground after Wimbledon, falling to Frances Tiafoe in the US Open fourth round and missing a chance to become world no.
1. Rafa wrapped up the previous season with a victory at the ATP Finals, beating Casper Ruud and embracing the South American swing with the Norwegian. Instead of a fresh start in 2023, Nadal lost both matches at the United Cup despite taking the opening set, falling to Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur and looking far from his best.
The defending Australian Open champion gave his everything to play competitive tennis in Melbourne, beating the Briton Jack Draper in the first round and facing Mackenzie McDonald in the second. Rafa experienced a severe left hip injury in the second set, refusing to retire but hitting the exit door after losing serve late in the third set.
The Spaniard revealed a Grade 2 iliopsoas, underwent surgery a few months later and missed the rest of the season. Rafa slowly returned to the practice court, starting from the beginning and raising the level of his training sessions.
Not thinking about big titles and the GOAT race, Nadal is giving his best to return to action and play injury-free in 2024, wishing to visit his favorite tournaments at least once. The Spaniard has been training well lately, and his comeback at the start of the next season looks very bright.