Rafael Nadal, absent from official tennis since a loss at the Australian Open in January, has announced his return at the Brisbane tournament from December 31 to January 7.
The 22-time major champion, recovering from hip surgery in June, expressed excitement on social media about resuming play after a year of regular training.
“After a year of not competing, it is time to come back,” Nadal said on social media.
“It will be in Brisbane in the first week of January. See you there.”
Could face Djokovic early in the tournament
Nadal, potentially receiving an invitation due to his 663rd ATP ranking, won’t be seeded among the top 32 players, opening the possibility of facing Novak Djokovic early on.
Djokovic, welcoming Nadal’s return, hinted at a potential showdown in Melbourne Park in January. Nadal’s focus extends to the French Open and the Paris Olympics on the Roland Garros clay.
Besides Nadal, top-10 players such as Holger Rune, Grigor Dimitrov, and Andy Murray have confirmed participation. Nadal’s rigorous training sessions, reminiscent of his prime, have heightened expectations for his comeback.
As he gears up for the Australian Open in 2024, the tennis world anticipates the resurgence of the Nadal-Djokovic rivalry and the Spaniard’s pursuit of more Grand Slam victories.
