Rafael Nadal Downplays Title Aspirations ahead of Brisbane Comeback
Despite his year-long recovery from a debilitating hip injury, Rafael Nadal humbly dismisses any notion of championship aspirations, labeling it as 'impossible' As he eagerly anticipates his return at the Brisbane International, the tennis titan remains grounded in his expectations
Rafa Nadal expressed that he still finds it "impossible" to contemplate winning tournaments as he readies himself for his highly anticipated return at the Brisbane International. This comes after he spent nearly a year sidelined due to a hip injury. The 22-times Grand Slam champion, who is preparing for the upcoming Australian Open, experienced the injury during his second round defeat at Melbourne Park in January. Following surgery in June, he did not compete for the remainder of the season.
Nadal's competitors, including top-ranked Novak Djokovic, are confident that he will be back to his best in competition. However, the 37-year-old downplayed any expectations of winning titles in what is expected to be his final season on the tour.
Rafael Nadal of Spain shows a reaction during his 3rd round match against Denis Shapovalov of Canada on day five of Internazionali BNL D'Italia at Foro Italico on May 12, 2022 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz believe that Rafael Nadal will return to top form after his injury. "It's impossible to think about winning tournaments today," Nadal told Australian Associated Press on Friday. "What's really possible is to enjoy the comeback. I don't expect much... one year without being on the court."
Nadal has ramped up his training in the past few months and recently practiced with eighth-ranked player Holger Rune at the Queensland Tennis Centre after his arrival in Australia on Thursday. The Spanish player, who is currently at world number 672, commented that he's feeling significantly better than he did a year ago but noted that he's not yet able to set long-term goals.
Nadal expressed uncertainty about the future, saying, "I don't try to predict short-term outcomes, and it's even more challenging for me to anticipate what will happen in the medium term. I have to acknowledge and accept the challenges that come my way, and approach each day with the right mindset, even when things are not going perfectly."
The Brisbane International begins on Sunday while the Australian Open runs from Jan. 14-28.
