Nadal: High Chance This Could Be My Last Time Playing in Australia

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal, set to make a comeback in the Brisbane tournament almost a year after his last match, stated that there is a high chance this might be his final appearance in Australia if he decides to conclude his sports career at the end of 2024.

Brisbane, Australia - Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has revealed that there is a strong possibility that this could be his last time competing in Australia. The Spanish tennis icon, who has been out of action for almost a year due to a left psoas injury, is set to make his long-awaited return at the Brisbane tournament.

Speaking to reporters during a press conference at the Brisbane International, Nadal addressed the speculation surrounding his retirement. "The problem with saying it's going to be my last season is that I can't predict 100% what will happen in the future," Nadal explained. "That's why I say probably. It's obvious there's a high percentage chance this will be my last time playing here in Australia. But if I'm here next year, don't say, 'You said this was your last season,' because I didn't say it."

Nadal emphasized that he is focused on the present and doesn't want to think too far ahead. "A lot happened to get back to a tennis court, so I try to avoid thinking about retirement for now. I can't predict how I'll be in the next six months," he said. "I don't know if my body will allow me to be competitive. I mean, not in the sense of winning the most important events, but in the sense that it makes me happy and feel competitive to go out on the court and feel that I can compete against anyone."

Despite his cautious outlook, fellow players, including rising star Holger Rune and former champion Andy Murray, have praised Nadal's performance in training sessions at the Queensland Tennis Centre. Nadal, however, downplayed the significance of their comments. "If you ask my colleagues how I feel, they won't come here and say, 'Rafa is playing like a disaster.' I feel what they said doesn't have much value because, of course, if you ask me how they are playing, I'll say they are playing very well too. I won't speak negatively about my colleagues."

Nadal, who underwent surgery for a hip injury during his time away from the courts, expressed optimism about his return. "In a realistic world, I am happy with how I am training. Of course, I don't have the expectations I used to have in the past, especially at the beginning because it's been a year and an operation," he shared. "For me, it's a bit unpredictable how things will be. Competing is different from training, but in terms of training with the guys here, I am quite happy because I can feel competitive against the players I have played. That means a lot to me because a month ago, I didn't know if I would have the opportunity to come here or feel comfortable in training."

As Nadal looks ahead to his first-round match against Dominic Thiem, fans and tennis enthusiasts around the world eagerly await his return. Whether or not this marks his final appearance in Australia, Nadal's impact on the sport will be remembered for generations to come.

"I feel ready to compete. Then, what may happen in the competition, I can't know. I don't know," Nadal concluded, leaving fans in anticipation of the excitement and unpredictability that awaits in the upcoming tournament.