Indian Wells 2024: Rafael Nadal’s Long-Term Confidant Makes Perplexing Statement About His Participation

There has been much news surrounding the comeback of Rafael Nadal of late. After missing almost the entire 2023 season due to injuries, the Spaniard made a brief comeback earlier this year, only to get injured again. This time battling a muscle tear near his hip, injuries have sadly kept Nadal on the sidelines. However, the 22-time Grand Slam champion is working hard to return to the court again, with his long-time spokesperson, Benito Perez-Barbadillo shedding light on the matter.

Ahead of the big March month coming up, Nadal will take part in the Netflix Slam, an exhibition event that’ll take place on March 3. Fighting against Carlos Alcaraz, it’s unlikely that the Spaniard will trigger another injury since it’s an exhibition game. There have been talks that he’ll make a comeback at the 2024 Indian Wells, which is set to take place later next month.

Is Rafael Nadal making a comeback next month?

The first leg of the Sunshine Double, the Indian Wells Masters is scheduled to begin on March 6. Hopefully in good form after the Netflix Slam, Rafael Nadal will be able to make an explosive comeback. The Spaniard is nearing full fitness after an untimely injury setback, as Benito Perez-Barbadillo’s recent statement implies.

Fueling Nadal’s comeback rumors, he said, “If he is fit, he wants to play. He is a tennis player and wants to play at the biggest tournaments. And he loves Indian Wells.” Meanwhile, the Indian Wells Masters tournament is one of Nadal’s most successful hard-court Masters games. During his illustrious career, he has won 3 titles there, while finishing as runner-up on two occasions. In the recent past, Nadal has also spoken about his Indian Wells participation, which is an important game for him.

Nadal wishes to play in Indian Wells because it might be his last

During an interview earlier this month, the former World Number 1 gave a timeline for his comeback. While he admitted that he won’t be playing this month, Nadal sounded confident to make a comeback at the Indian Wells Masters.

He revealed, “At this point, every blow I take, every injury, is a setback not only in tennis and physically but also mentally. I trust 100% to be in Indian Wells, it is a very special tournament for me. I don’t know if it will be the last time I am going to play it, but there are options that yes, so I would like to be in Indian Wells yes or yes.” 

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With time running out in his career, Nadal will be hoping to return to the tournament he missed last year. Can Nadal have a successful return to the court next month? Let us know your views in the comments below.