Rafael Nadal on Winning Australian Open Amid Long Awaited Comeback: “I Don’t Expect Much, Honestly”

Rafael Nadal said on Friday that he was “feeling good,” although he downplayed his chances of winning titles soon after his near-year-long injury layoff.

After losing in the second round of the Australian Open this year, the 37-year-old has not played since. On the lengthy road to recovery, he had two rounds of hip surgery.

Despite concerns that his career could be ending, he will return to the court on Sunday at the Brisbane International, which is scheduled to take place before the Australian Open in Melbourne.

At a promotional event in the city, the Spaniard, who has already hinted that this may be his last season, said, “I am feeling good.”

“I have nothing to complain about. It’s difficult for me to think about winning tournaments now, even though I feel considerably better than I did a month ago.

“Taking pleasure in your return to the court is a possibility.

He said, “To be honest, I don’t expect much.” “My only expectations are to be able to play on the court, to feel competitive, and to give it my all.”

This month, the 22-time Grand Slam winner traveled to his school in Kuwait to find weather conditions that would be comparable to what he would face in Australia.

However, he acknowledged that it would be “a tough process in the beginning” due to his minimal training.

It’s not as if I’ve been practicing for the last six months with much vigor. I’ve simply been practicing at a very high level for the last month,” he said.

Nothing is insurmountable. However, I consider my very being here to be a win, and I want to enjoy myself as much as the audience.

Former rival Novak Djokovic has surpassed Rafael Nadal on the all-time list of Grand Slam singles victories after the Serb won three this year in his absence to raise his total to a record 24. Nadal won the Australian Open twice, in 2009 and 2022.

“I cannot have super long-term goals because I don’t see myself playing for a super long time,” remarked Rafael Nadal at this point in his career.

“But as the season progresses, I plan to try to give myself the chance to be more and more competitive.”