Rafael Nadal performed his final aggressive tennis match at Australia Open 2023. AP
Rafael Nadal will return to Grand Slam motion on the Australian Open in January, event director Craig Tiley stated Wednesday, for what is going to nearly actually be the Spaniard’s farewell to Melbourne.
The 22-time main winner has not performed since his second-round loss to American Mackenzie McDonald on the Australian Open in January this yr due to a hip damage.
The 37-year-old has twice undergone surgical procedure throughout his lengthy rehabilitation and stated final month that he was nonetheless aiming to complete his profession in 2024.
“Our 2022 champion Rafa Nadal has been working hard on his rehab for most of this year,” stated Tiley, who additionally expects residence favorite Nick Kyrgios to return from damage.
“He (Nadal) at all times brings his greatest to Melbourne and nobody can doubt how laborious he competes.
“I’ve been in touch with his team and he’s now back on the court and looking forward to returning to Melbourne in January.”
Organisers will hope that Nadal’s extremely anticipated return will provide a problem to the dominance of Novak Djokovic, the reigning champion and 10-time winner in Melbourne.
Kyrgios additionally poses a possible risk to Djokovic after present process knee surgical procedure this yr.