Rafael Nadal has officially announced his comeback in 2024, ending weeks of speculation.
Speaking at an event in Barcelona at the Clinica del Tenis, run by his sports physician, Dr. Angel Ruiz Cotorro, Rafa provided optimistic updates on his recovery and return to tennis.
“If you want something new that I haven’t told you so far, then I sincerely believe that I will return to play.
“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.”
Our champ also said that he won’t view his comeback as a competition 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.
“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.”
Source: Marca
The title of this RNF post says it all. No predictions from me, no worrying about rivals or anything negative, just a focus on Rafa and his determination to return and be competitive. Wishing him all the very best for a positive comeback.
The best news ever, tennis has been so boring without him. I really hope that he will be able to compete at the Olympics, that would be the cherry on the cake. Vamos dear Rafa, you have been so missed 💕
This is about Rafa and no other. Shut your trap about the toxic jerkovic. We just need to celebrate the news from Rafa that he will be gladdening the hearts of millions in 2024. I know I will shed mixed tears for the love this hero has given to the game…there will never be a STAR like him. Vamos my Champion
Il’m gonna say gladdening the hearts of billions.
Tennis is a global sport. Unfortunately you have to put football in to that category, boo, boring, yawn.
As for Rafa retiring. We’ll always have those magical 29 matches to look back on.
So happy to hear this❤️
Yessss-music to our ears. Great news from Rafa himself! There is no other player
I would travel or queue up to see-no disrespect to anyone else, but it was Rafa who
brought me to tennis. Oh, BTW, am not Scottish. Maybe my hilarious Scottish friend
rubbed off on me!
Rubbing off on you. This is a family forum. Less of that talk please.
Hi I must say I agree with Dunc and Rafans, I personally think that it would be great if Rafa can just enjoy his last year in tennis as a pro on tour. I think we all should be focusing on the ITF and making sure that the “King of Clay” will be able to compete in the Olympics at Roland Garros, because I for one can’t imagine the Olympics at Roland Garros without the” King of Clay”! Thanks, Marcy.
I
I agree with Dunc and Raphan4ever, It’s always about the GOAT debate… those of us who love our champ Rafa, just want him to have a great retirement year. Personally, I think our emphasis regarding our Champ, is to push ITF to permit him to play the Olympics. Can you imagine that there will be an Olympics at Roland Garros without the King Of Clay! Please Rafans!… let’s get this done! Love to you all! Marcy.
This is rather a clinical answer. Nothing to do with my Rafa love. At the start that is, which is just a load of facts.
I believe you can play Olympic tennis if you are ranked 400 or less. Rafa is unfortunately 664 in the rankings but if he reaches semis or even quarters in a lot of tournaments, that ranking will shoot up.
You also have to bear in mind that the Ollympics is summer, 2024.
I personally think he’ll make 400 in the world far before the Olympics start. Even if there was a cut off point to make that 400 ranking. I’d like to think that the Olympic committee would give him a wildcard. They want people to watch the Olympic Games. I wouldn’t watch any matches were he not there.
I actually wouldn’t watch any sport at the olympics at all, if Rafa wasn’t there. Out of protest.
Very happy for you to return 😊 at some point hope you keep healthy vamos rafa xx
Why the actual hell did you have to bring the D word in to this forum?
Reading the above, D makes up about 2% or less of what Rafa said. Yet there’s a big huge headline at the top about that wanker.
Everyone knows that Rafa isn’t interested in the GOAT debate or how many trophies he’s won.
I’m just gonna say it, Dopeovic is the GOAT. Doesn’t mean I have to like the cheating, aggressive scum bag.
Please keep this place more positive. Seeing the D word just gets my fucking blood boiling.
So happy to know I’ll see him again on court…he’s so missed. Best of luck for your comeback Rafa, VAMOS!!