ARTICLES:
- Rafael Nadal: Laura Robson hints Spaniard could return in February – ‘Clearly the injury isn’t that bad’ | Eurosport
“Guys, I’ve got news. Not necessarily gossip but good news if you are a Rafa fan,” Robson said.
“Last I heard the plan is for him to restart in Doha [at the end of February], just a few weeks after the AO. So clearly the injury isn’t that bad, he’s going to manage it.
“Whether he plays there, we’ll see, but even the fact he’s hopeful of playing there that quickly after withdrawing from the Aussie Open is really great news.
“I’d agree with Mats and Tim. The fact there are only a handful of hard-court tournaments before he could start in Madrid or Rome [on clay]… it’s interesting to see what he’s going to do but he is already thinking about coming back.”
- “Rafael Nadal loves the sport, hard to say goodbye”: Former tennis pro refutes Spaniard’s retirement chances post-Australian Open injury withdrawal | sportskeeda.com
On the latest episode of “Tennis Channel Inside-in podcast,” Mark Knowles stated that Nadal would only play when he felt fit, and if he could write a scenario for him, he would give the Spaniard time off to spend with his family. However, Knowles claimed that the 22-time Grand Slam champion loves the sport so much that it’s difficult for him to bid adieu.
“One thing we know about Rafa is that he does it the right way. He’s not gonna play unless he feels fit and ready. One of the greatest professionals as far as the way he attacks, his approach,” Knowles said.
“We’re all cheering for Rafa, and in a perfect world, if we could write the scenario for him, it would be maybe to go off and spend time with your family. But it’s hard because, like a lot of great champs, he loves the sport. It’s hard to say goodbye,” he continued.
- Rafael Nadal’s love-hate relationship with Australian Open and his career Down Under | nine.com.au
Rafael Nadal has won the Australian Open just twice and has lost more finals than at any other grand slam.
Around a glorious 2009 final victory over Roger Federer and a stunning 2022 comeback win over Daniil Medvedev, there have been four defeats in deciders and a string of other near-misses.
VIDEO: 20 years ago, Nadal played in his FIRST ATP final!
Social media related to Rafa:
Lovely to see you play again
Soon we’re going to find the answer. If he continues practicing on hard courts in Mallorca then it makes sense what Laura said. Even though I expect Rafa to see practicing on clay courts.
So exciting to even think of a possible return time-line so soon!!! Even with the recovery of the micro-tear, which Rafa himself said was no too serious, I think Rafa is working on being in prime form for the clay court season, French Open and Olympics on clay in Paris in July! Fingers crossed that he is able to return to play soon!!
Hope you’re recovering well Rafa…ready to cheering for you whenever you’re ready to return.🎾🫶 Vamos Rafa💪
Pulling for you “RAFA!” I know you can do it! You are “Unstoppable!!!” You “Never Disappoint!!” “Always remember you are the GREATEST! ” Tennis Player “EVER!” All My Love! Della R.
Take care Rafa❤️
Doha is an ATP 250, February 19-24. Acapulco starts two days later, February 26.
Whatever Rafa decides is good by me!