Nadal has announced his comeback plan and will return to the tour in Brisbane in January next year.
A few days ago, Spanish tennis legend Nadal announced his comeback plan - to return to the tour in Brisbane in January next year, and he can also participate in the Australian Open with a protected ranking.
After a full year of rest due to injury and undergoing surgery, what kind of form can Nadal, who is already 37 years old, show on his comeback this time? For this, not only the fans, but also Nadal himself is full of uncertainty.
"I hope I don't have any expectations, that's a fact," Nadal said on social media a few days after announcing his comeback plan.
The Spanish king, who has always pursued victory in his career, finally wants to learn to enjoy his final moments before retiring. "If there are problems when he comes back, I have to forgive myself. I am in an unknown field," he said
After a year of rest, I finally got ready
For Nadal, the year 2023, which has just passed, may be the most painful season of his long career.
This season, he only participated in two races at the beginning of the year - the United Cup and the Australian Open. At the Australian Open, he lost to American player McDonald in the second round and was eliminated early.
What worries fans more than the defeat is the injury suffered by the Spaniard in that game. After the game, he was diagnosed with a left iliopsoas muscle injury and is expected to recover in 6 to 8 weeks, but as a result, Nadal missed the entire 2023 season.
On June 3rd, which was Nadal's birthday, the day before his birthday, he had to undergo surgical treatment and crossed the threshold of 37 years old in a special way.
"On June 2nd, in addition to the iliopsoas muscle, I also underwent hip surgery. Since my rib injury in Indian Wells in 2022, it has been a very difficult year and a half." Speaking of his own body, Nadal also felt helpless.
The doctor told him that without surgery, no amount of rest can bring his body back on track. "My iliopsoas muscles are very poor, and surgery is a solution. I made the decision, and the surgery went smoothly," he said
However, for Nadal, surgery is just the first hurdle, and the long-term recovery that follows is the dual test of physiology and psychology.
From simple physical training, to gradually transitioning to mild court training, and then to returning to normal field training... This process is a patient process for any athlete, especially for Nadal, who is already an elderly veteran.
Fortunately, this fighter known for his tenacity passed the test. According to media reports, after joining Brisbane, Nadal, who has fallen below 600 in the world ranking, will be able to rely on protecting his ranking to participate in the Australian Open. But as a non seeded player, he may encounter strong opponents early on.
