Nadal’s Return

After a year of hard work and waiting, Nadal has finally returned to the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tour in time for the Brisbane Open.

Over the last year, his supporters and friends endured a long wait for his return after his season-ending hip injury in the last Australian Open. Despite many attempts to return to the sport, he was unable to make it work and later agreed to hip surgery.

Over the year that he had to sit out, his world-ranking dropped from top 10, all the way to number 670. The Spaniard has spent the last year recovering and training, and has decided to come back. Nadal reportedly told press that he “didn’t think he deserved to end like this.” Unfortunately, due to his age and his previous injuries, he was doubted by many.

Performance in the Brisbane Open

For his first game back Nadal was scheduled to play Dominic Theim, a previous US Open winner. It was going to be a challenge but Nadal had come to win and was going to give it his all.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA. 1st ROUND.

Many people had come to see Nadal’s return. The crowd he had was overwhelming. Surprisingly, Nadal closed out the match in two straight sets with no real trouble. He showed promise and his fans were excited for the next round to come.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA. 2nd ROUND.

His next opponent was announced to be Jason Kubler, an Australian playing on his home turf. Again, Nadal had a huge mass of fans on his side and was cheered on as he walked onto the court. Nadal got off to a flying start, winning the match 6-1, 6-2. He was off to the quarter finals, an achievement not many expected him to reach.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA. QUARTERFINAL.

Again, Nadal was scheduled to play another Australian: Jordan Thompson. Many expected Nadal to win due to his previous successes. Unfortunately, he was beaten in an exciting 3-setter. Thompson won 2 sets to Nadal’s 1.

Even though he was defeated in the Quarterfinal, he still performed to his best ability and started 2024 on the right foot. Many are excited to see what he accomplishes this year on his final season on tour. He has yet to say where he will play next, as he had a muscle injury in his Quarterfinal game.

Works Cited

The Indian Express. indianexpress.com/article/sports/tennis/rafael-nadal-returns-to-court-after-hip-surgery-loses-to-max-purcell-and-jordan-thompson-in-doubles-action-at-brisbane-international-9089629/.

Si. www.si.com/tennis/2023/12/01/rafael-nadal-2024-atp-tour-comeback-brisbane-australia.