The Spaniard hasn’t competed since losing to American MacKenzie McDonald at Melbourne Park in the second round eleven months ago.
Rafael Nadal stated on Thursday that he was unable to confirm that 2024 would be the last season he would play before retiring, claiming that it “makes no sense” to establish a certain year for his career to conclude. Next month, in Brisbane, the 22-time Grand Slam champion will return from an injury that kept him out of action for almost a full year. In the past, the 37-year-old had declared he will give up tennis by the end of 2024.
In a video that was uploaded to his social media sites, Rafael Nadal stated, “I’m going to enjoy the tournaments in that way because there’s every chance that it’s going to be my last year.”
I don’t want to make the announcement because, in the end, I have no idea what might occur. I also need to give myself the chance to refrain from saying anything since, once I do, I’ll be forced to live up to my words.
“I believe it will go that way, but I can’t be absolutely certain because, at the end of the day, I’ve put in a lot of work to be able to compete again, so why am I going to set a deadline if my body and circumstances suddenly enable me to continue and love what I do?
“I think it makes no sense.”
Prior to the commencement of the first Grand Slam competition of the year on January 14, Rafael Nadal was listed on the Australian Open entry list earlier on Thursday.
Eleven months have passed since the Spaniard’s defeat at Melbourne Park in the second round by American MacKenzie McDonald.
Due to his hip ailment, he required surgery twice and, while out of action, dropped to 664th place in the world rankings.
