Rafael Nadal is set to resume his tennis career in Brisbane next month. The tennis legend announced that he will be making his comeback from injury at the Brisbane International in January.
“After a year away from competition, it’s time to come back,” Rafael Nadal said in a video posted on multiple social media platforms Friday. “It will be in Brisbane the first week of January.”
Nadal’s last appearance was at the Australian Open in January, where, despite being the defending champion and having secured his 21st grand slam in 2022, he faced challenges due to a hip problem. He suffered a surprising straight-sets defeat against American Mackenzie McDonald in the second round.
Initially expected to return later in the year, Nadal had to forgo the Madrid and Rome Masters as well as the French Open during the clay court season. Following hip surgery in June, he remained sidelined for the rest of the season.
The 37-year-old has been sharing images and videos of his training on the court in recent weeks, building anticipation in the tennis world for his return date.
The Brisbane International, an ATP 250 event and a warm-up for the Australian Open, will signify the start of what is likely to be Nadal’s final year on the Tour.
Nadal, a 22-time grand slam winner, is expected to make a grand slam return at the Australian Open as well. Despite currently ranking at No. 662 in the world due to his absence, he’ll need to use his injury-protected ranking or rely on a wildcard entry for tournaments.
Having dropped out of the top ten for the first time in 17 years in March, Nadal aims to bid farewell to significant tournaments in his tennis career next year while relishing being back on the court.
