The GOAT is back’ – Fans react as Rafael Nadal announces his comeback after year-long break from Tennis

Spanish Tennis legend Rafael Nadal made a significant announcement regarding his return to professional tennis on Friday, December 1, confirming his participation in the 2024 Brisbane International. This revelation has garnered widespread attention from the global sports media.

Nadal has been absent from the tennis scene since January due to a hip injury suffered during the 2023 Australian Open. He announced his comeback with a social media post and said, “Hello everyone, after a year away from competition, it’s time to come back. It will be in Brisbane the first week of January. I’ll see you there,”

Nadal’s last defeat occurred in the second round of the Melbourne Slam against USA’s Mackenzie McDonald. After that loss, the 22-time Major winner underwent arthroscopic surgery to address his injury. The Tennis legend recently talked about the Serbian Tennis star Novak Djokovic and said that he won’t be able to win more Grand Slams than Djokovic but he will enjoy playing again.

“I won’t win more Grand Slams than Djokovic, but I will have the chance to enjoy myself again. I think that Novak lives it in a more intense way than I have lived it. For him, it would have been a greater frustration not to achieve it (Grand Slams) and maybe that’s why he achieved.” Nadal was quoted as saying by Mint.

We know that the pain will never disappear: Rafael Nadal

Having apparently completed his rehabilitation, the 37-year-old is poised to make a comeback in January 2024. His focus will be on gaining valuable match practice at the Brisbane International, a preparatory tournament leading up to the Australian Open. Nadal is undoubtedly eager to hit the ground running and showcase his competitive form on the court. However, this is what is said in September.

“My hope is not to return to win Roland Garros or win (in) Australia, so that people are not confused, all that is a long way off. I am well aware of the difficulties that I face, one is insurmountable, that is age, and the other are physical problems. What makes me hopeful is to play again, to be competitive again.” he said.

“We know that the pain will never disappear, but I’ve taken a step forward,” he said two weeks ago. Until now, I didn’t know if I could play tennis again one day, and now I sincerely think that will be the case.” he added.

Here’s how fans reacted: