Rafa Nadal has stunned his fans and announced he intends to play at the 2022 Australian Open after a long lay-off with injury.
The 20-time grand slam champion skipped the Tokyo Olympics and Wimbledon in a bid to get back to full fitness ahead of the US Open.
However, after a shock loss to Lloyd Harris at the Washington Open, Nadal withdrew from the US Open and announced he would be taking the remainder of 2021 off due to a foot injury.
After remaining quiet on his progress, Nadal excited fans after confirming he would play in the World Tennis Championship next month.
This signals his intention to play at the Australian Open next year.
“My plan is to play Abu Dhabi in December and then in a tournament before Australia and then the Australian Open,” Nadal said.
“That’s my goal.
“We’re working hard to make it happen.
“The injury in my foot still needs to get a little better, but I’m already training almost an hour and a half a day so that’s positive.
“Some days are better than others, but I’m starting to have a lot more positive days than negative ones.
