Just a few days ago, tennis sport observed a buzz as Rafael Nadal announced his return to the tennis court. The 20-time Grand Slam champion confirmed that he’ll be competing at Abu Dhabi in mid-December. Following this huge announcement, Patrick McEnroe expressed his two cents on Nadal’s return.
John McEnroe’s younger brother believes the 13-time French Open winner still has the potential to win up to three French Open titles. However, Patrick feels this is possible only if he stays fit. Nadal has only competed in 29 matches in the year 2021.
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Patrick McEnroe on comeback of Rafael Nadal
On November 2, Rafael Nadal revealed his plans for the future. The Spaniard who was struggling with his knee injury is all set to make a comeback to the tennis court in Abu Dhabi. Moreover, he’s pretty much excited for the new season starting in 2022.
🇪🇸 @RafaelNadal has revealed plans to return to tennis action in December.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner has been out for three months.
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) November 2, 2021
After this major declaration, former American tennis player and John McEnroe’s younger brother, Patrick McEnroe uttered on his possibility of winning Grand Slams.
He quoted, “ If he stays healthy, he (Nadal) could end up winning one to three more French Opens. That’s a reasonable argument to make. It’s harder to make an argument that he can win multiple other majors at this point.”
Rafael Nadal last won a Grand Slam at the French Open in 2020. Since then, he hasn’t been able to display his ace game. In all, Nadal has only competed in 29 matches in the year 2021. The new season would be surely very challenging for the Spaniard.
Nadal’s 2021 performance
Rafael Nadal started the 2021 season with a defeat at the quarter-finals of the Australian Open against Stefanos Tsitsipas. This was just the second time that Nadal lost a match in the Grand Slam after two sets up.
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Soon after, Nadal triumphed at he Barcelona Open and the Italian Open to gain some confidence ahead of the French Open. However, Nadal registered a shocking defeat at the semi-finals of the contest. Novak Djokovic stunned the 13-time French Open champion in an epic four set thriller.
Following the French Open, Nadal competed at the Washington Open but couldn’t go past Llyod Harris in the round of 16. After hitting with a knee injury, Nadal hasn’t competed professionally. Subsequently, he withdrew from Wimbledon and US Open.
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With his comeback announcement, fans across the world are pretty hyped. What do you think, will he register his 21st Major title at the Australian Open 2022.