13 Months After Oozing Confidence, Vulnerable Rafael Nadal Raises Skepticism With Comeback Reality – ‘Been Afraid To..’

The fans of Rafael Nadal have been waiting to see their hero in action ever since he took a break from the sport owing to injuries. Although his much-anticipated return has come late, Nadal hasn’t disappointed his fans with his comeback announcement. Nadal will be back in action before the Australian Open, as he’ll play a warm-up event in Brisbane. Last year, the Spaniard sounded confident about his future. However, 13 months after this, Nadal has been hit by a harsh reality check.

The Spaniard revealed that he wasn’t thinking about retirement as his peak went past him. But now, he has a different opinion after a lengthy injury setback.

What did Rafael Nadal say about his future?

Moments ago, Rafael Nadal took to his official Twitter handle where he shared a clip from his interview today. He talked about various subjects – from his comeback to the possibility of winning a title. Additionally, he also mentioned his future in the sport.

Talking about this, he said, “I have been afraid to announce things because in the end it’s a year without competing and it’s a hip operation. But what worries me the most is not the hip, it’s everything else.”

Further, he added, “I think I’m ready and I trust and hope that things go well and that it gives me the opportunity to enjoy myself on the court. It’s been a long time, so I hope, first of all, to feel again those nerves, that illusion, those fears, those doubts.”

Nadal has shown tremendous grit and determination to be where he is today. It is not the first time the Spaniard is making a comeback after a lengthy injury layoff. In the past too, he has had a successful return after his injury break.

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On the other hand, there is a glaring comparison between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer as far as a comeback is concerned. Like Nadal, Federer was also injured in 2016 and made a comeback in 2017. However, the Spaniard has chosen a different path than Federer.

Can Rafael Nadal find success like Roger Federer?

In 2017, Federer made a comeback directly at the Australian Open. He decided to skip warm-up events before the major tournament. Nonetheless, Federer went on to win the Grand Slam Down Under that year, defeating Nadal in the summit clash.

Unlike Federer, Nadal is playing a warm-up tournament in Brisbane next year before the Australian Open. That will be his first tournament after making a comeback. Thus, it’ll be interesting to see how Nadal fares at the Australian Open and if he can emulate Federer’s 2017 feat.

What do you think about Nadal’s chances at the Australian Open next year? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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