After repeatedly saying that 2024 could be his last year as a professional, Rafael Nadal has now hinted at playing beyond 2024 as his much-awaited comeback nears.
Nadal sustained a hip injury at the Australian Open 2023 and had to undergo surgery. After spending the last 12 months on the sidelines, the Spaniard will finally be in action today (Sunday) in doubles alongside his countryman Marc Lopez against Australia’s Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson.
Speaking ahead of the match in Brisbane, the 37-year-old emphasised that he never said that 2024 was going to be his last year and remained unsure of what the future holds.
“The problem about saying that’s going to be my last season is I can’t predict what’s going on 100% in the future,” Nadal said. “That’s why I say ‘probably’. It’s obvious it’s a high percentage that it’s going to be my last time playing here in Australia.
“But if I am here next year, don’t tell me, ‘You said it was going to be your last season’, because I didn’t say it.
“You never know what’s going on, you know? I can’t predict how I’m going to be in the next six months. I can’t predict if my body will allow me to enjoy tennis as much as I enjoyed the past 20 years.
“It’s not an easy decision, but I know inside myself that it is a high percentage that it’s going to be my last one.”
Despite having so many setbacks in 2023 and at one point considering quitting tennis during his recovery phase in the year, Nadal stated that his love for tennis remained alive.
“Of course, I was asking myself that (about retirement), but at some point I decided to keep going. I had the determination to keep going.”
It must be noted that Nadal is a 22-time Grand Slam winner, his majors tally includes 14 Roland Garros, four US Open, two Australian Open, and two Wimbledon.