Nadal: 'Most likely I will fail'

22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal predicts his long layoff will make it difficult for him to get back into the swing of things when he returns in the 2024 season.

"There is a big chance that things will not go well. I have to be ready to forgive myself if a bad result happens," Nadal said in a video announcing his return to competition at the Brisbane International starting later this month.

Nadal said his hip injury has healed, but his body has generally reached its limits after years of playing. "I'm at a different point, not expecting much," he said. "I like the tension, the excitement, the nervousness and the doubt of being back on the court. If I maintain my enthusiasm and physical condition, things can get better."

Nadal has been out of action since being eliminated in the second round of this year's Australian Open. Photo: Marca

Nadal will play the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane, then the Australian Open if all goes well. He has been training heavily for the past three weeks, with the intensity of his peak. Nadal's mobility is said to have improved significantly.

His uncle, coach Toni Nadal, said: "Watching Nadal practice over the past few weeks makes me feel like he's going to play well. He wants to enjoy tennis one last time in the best possible shape, not retire with injuries."

Nadal: 'Most likely I will fail'

Nadal trained with young talent Gabriel Debru at the academy in Mallorca, before going to Kuwait to train in preparation for events in Australia early next year.

Nadal has made several spectacular comebacks from injury. He played the 2022 Australian Open with a severely degenerated foot but still won the title after a five-set final against Daniil Medvedev. The 37-year-old wants to prove himself in the hard-court season early next year, before focusing on his favorite clay season.

"We all know Nadal's legs are not the same as 10 years ago, but his mind is still the same," coach Toni added. "Nadal doesn't think about the result, first of all he has to feel good about the match."

Nadal's drop outside the ATP top 600 means he will not be seeded next season. He risks facing top players in the opening round, but if he beats them, he will essentially secure that seeding for the rest of the tournament. "Nadal is a slow starter, so it will be difficult to play the first match of a Grand Slam," Toni said.

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