Rafael Nadal withdrew from the 2023 season after suffering an injury in his left leg. He spent the entire year recuperating and aiming to return in the 2024 season. Nadal eventually made his return with a bang and managed to win two matches before he announced another hiatus. The second hiatus, however, created much concern in the tennis community, with many worried about his return.
Finally, fans of the Spaniard can breathe a sigh of relief. Nadal will return to the sport soon, as he was seen on the list for the first ATP 1000 tournament of the year.
After his absence at the Australian Open, many were concerned about Rafa’s future, which was shrouded in uncertainty. However, there is some clarity around this now. The Indian Wells Masters is the first ATP 1000 tournament and one of the prestigious Sunshine Doubles. Every tennis player aims to win the tournament, and Rafa will now be one of those players.
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ATP1000 Indian Wells entry list pic.twitter.com/BjinPzmQHA
— Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) February 5, 2024
The entry list for the Indian Wells recently went live, and Nadal occupies the final spot. He will be able to enter the main draw of the tournament, but he will not be seeded. The Spaniard has provided immense relief to his fans as he returns in a best-of-three tournament. When he stepped back from the Aussie slam, he stated he was not ready to play in the best of 5 sets.
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It will be one of the tournaments that will help him climb higher on the table once again. However, he is returning to the sport before the BNP Paribas Open in Saudi Arabia.
Rafa set to return with Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz
6 Kings Slam will be an exhibition event that will feature Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune. Barring Rune, all players have won at least one slam. The event comes as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is closing on a deal for the WTA Finals, and Rafa was announced as the ambassador of Saudi Tennis.
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The tournament will be played in best of 3 sets format and will see the six players compete against each other to further improve the standing of tennis in the country. The exhibition event will draw countless people to the stands as it features some of the best players of the ATP. Will Rafa be able to compete against those at the top of the table?
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