22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal took to social media to share a heartfelt video detailing his thoughts on his much-anticipated comeback.
“I have been afraid to announce things because in the end it’s a year without competing and it’s a hip operation,” Rafa said on Instagram and then on X (formerly known as Twitter). “But 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.
“I expect from myself not to expect anything. 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.”
“I have internalised what I’ve had throughout my life, which is to demand the maximum of myself. And right now what I really hope is to be able to not do that, to 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.”
Rafa’s honesty about fears and uncertainties only strengthens our admiration for him. His readiness and confidence inspire us, and we believe in his ability to overcome any challenges that come his way. VAMOS RAFA!
Vamos Rafa💪❤️
MY SISTER AND I ARE MAYBE YOUR’VE YOUR OLDEST FANS WE WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU EACH AND EVERY DAY UNTIL YOU ARE BACK BEST OF LUCK FOR 2024
❤️
Rafa is just the sweetest, most honest sports person I have ever seen, ever.
I honestly believe that the nerves running up to any match will dissipate as the match progresses and Rafa has a more positive mind-set of, figuring out what the opponents game is. Then just shift through the gears.
Without any shadow of a doubt, on the court, Rafa has the best “tennis brain”, ever, bar none.
You know what I’ve noticed? All it takes is for Rafa to hit an absolutely scorching 90mph winner then a hefty VAMOS!!!! After that, the nerves definitely go, somewhat. Especially if he’s returning serve and breaks to love, with four ridiculous winners. Seen that quite a lot.
One outageous, standing ovation, winner and he’ll feel at home again on any court. Especially if it’s a banana. The best shot in tennis by the best player tennis has ever seen.
Every time, I learn things about you Rafa. I liken it to the peeling of an excellent onion. I have come to the conclusion that holistically you are the best player in the world! You have taught me elementary kindness, compassion and the exceedingly difficult ability not to judge others, including oneself. You have given me a masterclass on how to be a good human.
Take it easy champ and simply try to enjoy yourself. You are the best ever for me, and what you did in 2022 AO was just outstanding- I get goosebumps thinking about it.
Champ has nothing to prove. God bless you Rafa. I’ll be here rooting for you to win every match you play:):)
Just enjoy your Tennis have Faith and play them Wonderful Shots that everybody LOVES and shout VAMOS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We don’t deserve you Rafa! 💓
Thank you for your pure honesty, Rafa. You have overcome such adversity, and we are joyful at your return. “Everything else” is a great deal. Change is a challenge. May 2024 bring you great excitement and satisfaction. We know it is a game, but your resilience and positivity are a light in a world of great turmoil🙏💪👏🤛🍀❤️🔥
Just VAMOS Rafa ❤️💪🙏🍀🍀🍀🍀
Wow a million times! No other like you!
Rafa. You will just smash it once you on court for few mins, as all the fans present plus the millions that would love to be there also, we will make you feel as if you were never away. When I say “smash it ‘…you won’t be doing a racquet smash😁 you will be our Champion, Hero and GOAT instantly. Love that this day is getting nearer. Vamos.
VAAAAAAAMOOOOOOOS!!!! GRANDE RAFA!!!! MY CHAMP FOR EVER AND EVER!!!!!
Vamos Rafa.
Whatever happens: you’re the Best anyway🎾