He confirms that his recovery is on the right track and he will play again
Rafael Nadal has progressed in his efforts to make a comeback to the court, aiming to overcome the physical challenges that have kept him sidelined for almost the entire 2023 season.
In recent months, the former world number one has been releasing images in which he could be seen doing physical work in the gym and also training on the court.
In the interview he gave to Movistar+ last October, he said that his recovery was on the right track and he was optimistic about his prospects of returning to the courts.
Rafael Nadal certain of returning
Now, at an event held at the Clínica del Tenis, run by his regular doctor, Dr. Angel Ruiz Cotorro, he has stated that his return to the courts is certain.
“If you want something new that I haven’t told you so far, then I sincerely believe that I will return to play,” Nadal explained.
“I’m not ready to say whether it will be in one place or another, but I’m happy with how things are going. A few weeks ago, I wasn’t in a position to say if I could come back, but the steps forward have been positive. I hope to be able to say something more concrete in the next few weeks.
“Nor can I say at what level I will be able to return, but I have never lost the illusion of playing and now it seems that things are going in the right direction. When I know when I’ll be back, I’ll be the first to say so. I’m training and I’m happy. It’s a good time in my life. This is a step forward without any doubt, and it’s a lot.”
What are Rafael Nadal’s aims for his tennis return?
What he is clear about that he will not consider his return as a race against Novak Djokovic.
“I have not played for a year and for me personal success, which is often more powerful than overall success, is to continue to imagine returning to play,” he concluded.
“I know it will be difficult to recover a very high level of tennis, but if I did not have the illusion of being competitive again I would not have done the work I have done these months. I’m not going to win more Grand Slams than Novak Djokovic, but I’m going to give myself the opportunity to enjoy myself again.”
