(Tennis News) After a year-long hiatus from professional tennis to address various injury concerns in the twilight of his illustrious career, Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, revealed on Friday his imminent return to the tennis circuit. The comeback is scheduled to take place at the Brisbane International, a prelude to this year’s Australian Open, commencing on December 31.

In a video shared on his social media accounts, Nadal expressed his eagerness for a return to competition, stating, “After a year away from competition, it’s time to come back. It will be in Brisbane, the first week of January. I’ll see you there.” Craig Tiley, the chief executive of the Australian Open, had hinted last month about Nadal’s potential comeback Down Under, reiterating his confidence in Nadal’s participation in Melbourne just last week.

As a two-time Australian Open champion, Nadal clinched titles in 2009 and 2022, the latter marked by a memorable comeback against Daniil Medvedev in a final where he overcame a two-set deficit. Despite announcing in a press conference earlier this year that he envisions 2024 as his final year on the competitive tennis tour, Nadal’s determination to be present at all four Grand Slam tournaments remains evident. However, considering the toll of multiple injuries on his body, achieving a competitive level, especially as early as January, presents a considerable challenge.

Nadal’s last competitive match was in Melbourne, a painful second-round defeat to Mackenzie McDonald, marred by a serious hip issue. Prior to that, an abdominal injury forced him to withdraw from a Wimbledon semifinal, and his persistent foot problem, spanning since 2005, flared up, necessitating pain-numbing injections en route to his 2022 French Open victory.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding his form, Nadal’s focus for the upcoming year is evident. Beyond aiming to extend his remarkable record of 14 singles championships at the French Open, he eyes another opportunity at Olympic glory, with the event scheduled at Roland Garros in Paris. The journey toward these goals embarks in Brisbane, where Nadal will take the first steps on the road to what promises to be a compelling chapter in his storied career.

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