USA Today via Reuters
Aug 4, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning the match against Jack Sock of the United States (not pictured) during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 4, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning the match against Jack Sock of the United States (not pictured) during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Rafael Nadal, the 20-time Grand Slam winner, had withdrawn from the ATP Cup in the beginning of January, leading to speculation about a recurrence of his injury. However, recently the Spaniard released some good news. Instead of ATP Cup, Nadal looks set to compete at Melbourne ATP 250.
The former World No. 1 will make his long awaited comeback on 16th December at an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi. He was absent from the ATP Tour since August 2021.
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Rafael Nadal to play Melbourne ATP 250
The Tennis world is very excited to witness Rafael Nadal‘s name back on their TV screens. The Maestro will be soon returning to professional tennis at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi. The competition will commence from 16th December to 18th December.
via Getty
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot during a match against Lloyd Harris of South Africa on Day 6 during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Tennis Center on August 5, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
In addition, there’s more optimistic news concerning Nadal’s return. He has now confirmed his participation at the Melbourne ATP 250, beginning from January 3. Thereafter, the 20-time Grand Slam winner will also aim to conquer his 21st Slam at the Australian Open 2022.
Rafael Nadal plans to play a 250 in Melbourne during the ATP Cup week.https://t.co/F4et1m6VYS
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) December 9, 2021
Notably, this will be his first tournament on the ATP tour since Washington Open in August 2021. A foot injury which the Spaniard initially suffered during the French Open has kept him out since then. The Melbourne ATP 250 will serve as Rafa’s only preparation tournament for the Australian Open and he will hope to build up a head of steam going into the Happy Slam.
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Nadal to miss ATP Cup
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The Melbourne ATP 250 is in the same week as ATP Cup, from 1st to 9th January. Nadal had already announced his unavailability to lead Team Spain at the ATP Cup. Moreover, the uprising star Carlos Alcaraz will also miss out on the tournament.
via Getty
PARIS, FRANCE June 11. Rafael Nadal of Spain during his match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Court Philippe-Chatrier during the semi finals of the singles competition at the 2021 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on June 11th 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
As a result, Roberto Bautista and Pablo Carreno will lead Spain at the ATP Cup 2022. It’ll be intriguing to watch how Roberto and Pablo approach the competition.
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On the other side, big players like Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Dominic Thiem and others look set to compete at the ATP Cup to represent their countries.
