Rafael Nadal will make his return to tennis in Australia next January, according to Australian Open boss Craig Tiley.
Nadal has missed most of the 2023 season after requiring arthroscopic surgery for a left hip flexor injury, on top of a more recent foot injury, both of which kept him out of the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Aussie tennis player disqualified for hitting umpire in the face.
Watch the latest sport on Channel 7 or stream for free on 7plus >>
And at 37, doubts had been cast over the tennis legend’s future in the sport.
But Tiley on Wednesday appeared to confirm the Spaniard’s return to tennis will take place at Melbourne Park.
“Our 2022 champion Rafa Nadal has been working hard on his rehab for most of this year,” Tiley said in a statement.
“He always brings his best to Melbourne and no one can doubt how hard he competes.
“I’ve been in touch with his team and he’s now back on the court and looking forward to returning to Melbourne in January.”
Not everyone was convinced by Tiley’s news.
“These words on Nadal sound more like optimism than confirmation,” Canadian tennis reporter Stephanie Myles said.
Former New York Times tennis journalist Christopher Clarey was similarly unmoved: “Big news, if true.”
It wouldn’t be the first time Tiley has gone the early crow and misfired, having famously declared “Serena will be back” ahead of the 2018 Australian Open – just weeks before Williams pulled the pin on the season-opening grand slam.
“It must be that time of year again when the Australian Open tickets are going on sale,” English reporter Stuart Fraser wrote of Tiley’s Nadal claim, noting the Williams withdrawal and a Roger Federer backflip.
Tiley also hinted at a return for Nick Kyrgios, who hasn’t played a competitive tennis match since before this year’s Australian Open.
“Nick is also doing his utmost to get back to his best and is plotting his return to the court,” the tennis boss said.
“We know how much competing at the AO means to him and he never fails to bring excitement and passion.
“His amazing brand of tennis and showmanship always adds something very special to the AO.”
In an interview last month, 22-time grand slam winner Nadal said his foot now “does not let me live in peace”.
He said he could not escape the pain but it was “controllable”.
“It is difficult for me to even go down the stairs, and that happens sometimes,” Nadal told Movistar.
“If it hurts, it is difficult to be happy. My character changes when it hurts more than necessary.”
Tiley’s statement also flagged major comebacks on the women’s side of the draw, with Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki all planning to make their way down under.
Kerber gave birth to her first child in February. Osaka welcomed her own arrival in July and immediately began preparing for her comeback.
Wozniacki made her return to professional tennis this year after initially retiring for family reasons after the 2020 Australian Open.
“We are delighted to welcome back these amazing champions, Naomi, Angie and Caroline, who’ve lit up the Australian Open and impressed fans with their athleticism, resilience and their sportsmanship,” Tiley said.
“We will welcome them – and their families – back to Melbourne with open arms and can’t wait to see what their next chapter brings.
“They will find the landscape has changed somewhat since they reigned supreme. Coco Gauff has had an incredible year – and she just keeps getting better and better.
“Iga Swiatek is keen to add to her four grand slam titles, along with Wimbledon champions Marketa Vondrousova and Elena Rybakina, this year’s AO finalist.
“Adding a local flavour to the comeback stories is Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic, who has been cruelled by injuries for the last 12 months since topping the great Serena Williams at the US Open last year, along with Daria Saville, who’s also recently rejoined the tour after recuperating from knee surgery.”
If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your .
To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.