Rafael Nadal playing at ‘very high level’ as leaked call gives Australian Open update
Rafael Nadal is set for a triumphant return to action at the Australian Open after he required surgery following a hip injury last time out in Melbourne.
Rafael Nadal has been tipped to make a triumphant return to action in 2024 as he prepares to make his much-anticipated comeback at the Australian Open. The legendary Spaniard has not played since the last tournament in Melbourne and underwent surgery on his hip in the summer.
The 22-time Grand Slam victor is expected to make the trip Down Under for what could be the start of a farewell tour, given his advancing years and recent fitness record. He has been consigned to the sidelines since suffering a hip injury in his Round 2 defeat against Mackenzie McDonald at Melbourne Park in January.
Although his layoff had originally only been expected to last a matter of weeks, the decision for the former world number one to go under the knife in June meant he was unable to stage a return earlier. However, after a spell of rehabilitation, the 37-year-old icon is set to first compete a the Brisbane International.
This tournament effectively serves as a warm-up contest ahead of the Australian Open, with Nadal currently sitting in 663th place in the ATP rankings after nearly a year out with injury. His near two-decade-long stint in the top 10 ended in March while he was still ruled out.
