‘Didn’t Want to Commit’ – Real Reason Behind Rafael Nadal’s Hesitant Return Unveiled by Australian Open Director

It has been almost a year-long wait for the fans of the Spanish legend, Rafael Nadal. But hold your breath for a moment, the former number is set to make a comeback in Australia next year. He had last appeared in the Australian Open in January this year. The 37YO has been nursing a hip injury ever since then. There were initial speculations of him making a comeback at his favorite Grand Slam (French Open). But it didn’t happen.

Finally, after months full of speculations. The AO director, Craig Tiley revealed the reason why Rafael Nadal was hesitant to announce his comeback. Let’s find out what the official had to say.

AO director reveals the reason for the delayed announcement Rafael Nadal’s comeback

After the injury, Nadal had undergone two surgeries. He could start his practice only in June this year and then he gradually leveled up the intensity of his training sessions. Now, he has already made an announcement of featuring in the Brisbane International which is scheduled to kick-start from the end of this month and extend till January 7, 2024.

This event would serve as a good preparatory camp ahead of the Melbourne Grand Slam event. Even though, initially, no one was aware of the actual date of his comeback. Reports suggest, that Tiley and Nadal had kept in touch with each other and the Spaniard kept updating him about his progress. ‘He was most concerned that he wasn’t going to be ready to play; he didn’t want to commit to playing and let his fans down by then having to pull out,‘ Tiley said in an interview to The West Australian.

Tiley went on to add that Rafa looks fitter and healthier and has been practicing well. After receiving the green signal from his doctors, the 37-year-old is now good to go. He added that it took a while to announce this because he was concerned his body might not be ready for the intense schedule in January 2024.

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But now since the 22 Grand Slam title holder is back. The next question is can he showcase his dominance in court like before?

Nadal has already set his mind for the grueling months of his possible last season 

Rafael Nadal is currently placed at 664th place in men’s singles ranking. This means he would be ineligible to enter the main draw of AO or even its qualifications. Being ranked outside 600 also suggests he might face some tough opponents in the initial stages of the tournaments in the near future. How far can he go?

Well, the legend himself isn’t thinking about it too much. He wants to enjoy these moments of his comeback and expect ‘nothing’ from himself. But the 2 times winner of AO, didn’t forget to mention he’ll surely be ‘competitive’ when he returns to pro tennis next year. But no matter what might be the scenario whenever the GOATs of the games step in there is always an expectation that creeps in. So, let us know if you think Rafa can add more Grand Slam titles to his trophy cabinet before he finally puts an end to his illustrious career.

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