ARTICLES:
- Rafael Nadal to play Brisbane International 2024 | brisbaneinternational.com.au
“We are thrilled to have Rafa make his return to tennis here in Brisbane and know his fans will be very excited,” Brisbane International Tournament Director Cam Pearson said.
“We know how hard Rafa has been working to get back playing, so to see him out on court for the first time in 12 months here in Brisbane will be very special.”
Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Brisbane International is shaping up as a world tennis spectacular.
“The return of the Brisbane International to Pat Rafter Arena promises to serve up an awe-inspiring and entertaining Queensland summer of tennis in 2024.
“Players of the calibre of Rafael Nadal on centre court means more interstate and overseas fans enjoying our great Queensland lifestyle and a predicted $10 million game, set and match for the visitor economy.”
- Taylor Fritz says Rafael Nadal’s return could be a nightmare for seeds | tennis365.com
“I mean, I expected that, it’s Rafa,” Fritz said.
“I don’t think that he was ever going to just retire and not give it another go, so I definitely, after the amount of time he’s had off, I expected him to come back to start the year. So I think that it’s good news for tennis as a whole.
“I think that maybe it’s going to be tough. Maybe he might be a little bit rusty. I think it’s going to be pretty crazy having him in draws where he’s going to be unseeded. So anybody can play Rafa in the first round, so it’s going to be pretty crazy.
“He’s Rafa, so I think even if he’s going to be maybe a little rusty coming back or it takes some time, he’s still going to be playing really well and he’s still going to be tough for a lot of guys to play early and draws as well just because of him being unseeded.”
- Nadal On Shelbayh: ‘He’s A Player With A Very Special Innate Talent’ | ATP Tour
“To describe Abdullah, you have to analyse his talent,” Nadal said. “I think he’s a player with a very special innate talent, capable of doing things that most can’t. With his style of play, it makes opponents feel very uncomfortable. I know because I’ve trained with him a number of times. And he’s added something very important to that: In the last year and a half he has taken a step forward in the way he experiences tennis.
“Really, he has realised that what he wants is to be a professional tennis player and he is working very hard toward that. I can only congratulate him for his dedication and for his hard work and encourage him to continue on that road. He’s had a very positive season, picking up good results, and has climbed up the rankings. Now an amazing moment is coming up for him, playing in the Next Gen ATP Finals. I’d like to wish him all the luck in the world. I’m sure it’ll be a very special tournament for him.”
VIDEO: Tennis Channel discusses Rafa’s announcement of his 2024 season beginning in Brisbane
Social media related to Rafa:
seed or no seed as long as he is on court, my heart is just happy
Vamoos Rafa Vamoos
Who cares, just as long as comes back and I can see him again, I am 92 and he has been my boy grandson, great grandson, since I have been watching tennis, he is one of a kind.
❤️
Has anyone explained to Taylor Fritz about protected rankings for players coming back from long term injuies?
But Rafa won’t be seeded.