Finally, Rafael Nadal is making a comeback after missing out most of the 2023 season due to a hip injury that he sustained at the AO earlier this year. The Spaniard has shown good signs of progress in training recently, but still, there are doubts about his full availability for the upcoming season. A few days back, Rafael Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya expressed his concerns about how the 37YO’s body will hold up against the rigours of Grand Slam events.
Now the fans have started to come in and express their concerns about the 22-time Grand Slam winner. They worry about the hectic schedule, which is set for the 2024 session prior to his comeback. Let’s find out some of their reactions surrounding their idol’s comeback.
Fans are worried about the comeback of Rafael Nadal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Rafael Nadal had last appeared on the court in his second-round loss at the Australian Open, in 2023. The 2024 season could be his last on Tour, so just perhaps Nadal wants to count every single moment of his outing next year. Yesterday it was announced that he has confirmed his participation in the Barcelona Open, which is scheduled to take place from April 13-21. He has won that event 12 times in his career, the first being in 2005 and his last came in 2021. But more than excitement fans are now worried about how can he manage such intensity after such a long gap. They don’t want an early end to his magical journey, and here’s what they said.
So as a minimum, he's likely to play:
Australian Open
Indian Wells
Miami
Monte Carlo
Barcelona
Madrid
Rome
Roland Garros
Wimbledon
OlympicsAll almost in the first half of the year without any real time off. Doesn't seem like a smart decision. https://t.co/kyFm5yEkzN
— Swish 🍒 (@Zwxsh) December 18, 2023
One of the fans looked surprised to see his name in the participation list of 10 events. Adding to that, the events are almost all in the first half of the year with no real time off. He felt this wasn’t a wise decision by the legend of the game.
The other one felt that he would probably retire before April.
probably be retired before April
— Dallas Sub (@texansub) December 18, 2023
Another one highlighted two words from the post ‘if healthy’ and expressed concerns for the Spaniard.
“If healthy” 😭😭😭 https://t.co/cS1gAvU6Xx
— Sithelo (@Sithelosenkosi) December 18, 2023
Others added it was truly an awful schedule and felt Nadal would fail miserably.
He will fail miserably, it’s an awful schedule!!!🤦♂️
— ░T░H░E░ ░C░H░O░S░E░N░ ░O░N░E░ (@roscotanne51917) December 18, 2023
Some of them stated that he would surely withdraw from half of the tournaments.
He will 100% withdraw from half of those
— Vic 🟦👍🏼 | #IStandWithJenson (@limuzinaxd) December 18, 2023
Now, the tennis fans are just hoping that the ‘King of Clay’ can finally say goodbye to the game on his own terms. Let’s find out some of the more reactions from the tennis world to Rafa’s comeback.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Serena Williams’ former coach shared his opinion on Nadal’s comeback
The 53-year-old French coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, said there are two possible reasons for his participation in AO. He felt a comeback at his favorite Grand Slam event would have been appropriate for Rafael Nadal. But since he has opted to make a comeback at the AO. He felt Nadal perhaps now wants to play everywhere or he feels he can potentially challenge for the trophy in his last year on Tour.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Serena Williams‘ former coach added that it’s difficult to predict Rafael Nadal’s season because only he can tell where he stands on his fitness levels. Can Rafael Nadal put an end to all the gossips and win his 23rd Grand Slam before putting an end to his illustrious career?
Watch This Story: Venus Williams Beams With Pride Over Random ‘Jeopardy’ Recognition For Her And Serena Williams