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via Reuters

via Reuters

A few days ago, Rafael Nadal returned to competitive tennis at the Brisbane International. But his journey was cut short during the match against Australia’s Jordan Thompson on 5 January. Not only did the 37YO Spaniard get defeated by the No. 47 but also was seen having some discomfort in his hip. That’s the same place where he got surgery a few months back. Result?

Days later Nadal announced his withdrawal from the 2024 AO. Since then fans have yet again started to wonder when will the 22 Grand Slam title holder make a comeback. Recently a source very close to Nadal provided a ground-breaking update on his comeback and also reflected on his extreme desire to compete.

Sources close to Rafael Nadal give an update on his appearance in Doha next month

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Rafael Nadal hasn’t touched the racket ever since his exit from Brisbane International. Team Nadal believes that the ‘minor muscle injury’ is indeed a minor injury and he’ll recover from it very soon. The ATP 250 event in Doha kickstarts on 19 February. Can he recover before that?

via Getty

Here’s what sources very close to him have to say on this, “His desire to compete is brutal. If everything goes well, he will play again in Doha. Hopefully, he’ll be back very soon.

READ MORE: Rafael Nadal Embraces Rival Turned Friend Roger Federer as the Two GOATs Turn Back the Clock in Mallorca

Rafael Nadal’s close friend and former Argentinian player, Juan Monaco recently spoke to CLAY. He said if Nadal makes a comeback and then goes on to win and achieve great success then he believes the Spaniard is unlikely to hang up his boot in 2024. Although there are events here and there lined up for the ‘King of Clay. But Nadal is perhaps now eyeing to make his presence felt yet again on the clay courts. Talking about presence well the ‘King of Clay’ made his presence felt at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a few days ago.

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Nadal pays a visit to Saudi Arabia

Rafael Nadal recently signed a deal with the Saudi Arabia Tennis Federation to become its ambassador and help develop & promote the sport in the country. It’s a part of Saudi’s Vision 2030 initiative. The Spaniard will also open an academy in Riyadh and ensure a visit to the country annually. He later on, expressed his excitement to be a part of Saudi’s growth and progress and called Saudi Arabia a ‘real potential.’

Days later, stars galore in Mallorca. Roger Federer paid a visit to Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy recently and posed for a picture with his long-time friend and of course- an arch-rival, Rafael Nadal. The Mallorcan posted this picture on his Instagram and wrote, “Great to have you here with me today my friend. Thanks for the visit and hope to see you again very soon.”

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Can Nadal make a comeback and clinch his 23rd Grand Slam this year? Well, this answer perhaps can only be given by Nadal’s body.

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