Rafael Nadal admitted on Monday that his expectations for a comeback to tennis at the end of the month in Brisbane remain more than modest.
“I expect from myself not to expect anything,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion who has not played since last January said on X.
“This is the truth. To have the ability not to demand of myself what I have demanded of myself throughout my career.
“I believe I’m in a different moment, in a different situation, in uncharted territory.”
The 37-year-old has had a rough 2023, with hip and abdominal problems sidelining him since a second-round loss at the Australian Open loss nearly 11 months ago.
He will attempt to step back into the mix at the ATP event in Brisbane starting on New Year’s Eve in Queensland.
“I have been afraid to announce things because in the end it’s a year without competing and it’s a hip operation,” the Spaniard said.
“It’s not the hip that worries me the most, it’s everything else. I think I’m ready and I trust and hope that everything goes well and that it gives me the opportunity to enjoy things on the court.
“It’s been a long time, so I hope, first of all, to feel again those nerves, that expectancy, those fears, those doubts.”
Nadal added that his main job is to deflect pressure after his long absence.
“What I really hope is (is) not demand the maximum from myself, to accept that things are going to be very difficult at the beginning and to give myself the necessary time and to forgive myself if things go wrong at the beginning, which is a very big possibility.
“But knowing that there may be a not-too-distant future where things can change, if I keep the dream and the spirit of work and my body responds, no doubt.”
Main photo:- Injured Rafa Nadal loses second round match at 2023 Australian Open by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
