Rafael Nadal 'excited to return' claims uncle and former coach

July 29, 2023

ATP Tennis Players, Rafa Nadal, Tennis News

Rafael Nadal ‘excited to return’ claims uncle and former coach

Rafael Nadal fans have been given an update on the Spaniard’s recovery status by his uncle and former coach of 27 years Toni Nadal, who joked that he ‘hopes’ Carlos Alcaraz gives his nephew a chance when he returns.

Nadal has been out of action since the Australian Open, when he tore his psoas muscle in his second round defeat to Mackenzie McDonald.

In May, the 22-time Grand Slam champion confirmed in a press conference that he would be missing Roland Garros for the first time since 2004.

The Spaniard also revealed that he would be taking an extended break that involved undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his psoas injury, and that 2024 would likely be his last as a professional tennis player.

Nadal has kept a low profile in his time away from the sport, but his uncle Toni has given a brief update for fans of the 37-year-old.

“Rafa is fine, on vacation, wanting to jump onto the court in 2024,” revealed Toni Nadal. “Let’s hope that [Carlos] Alcaraz will let us win something then. He is excited to return and retire on the court.”

While it is unclear exactly where Nadal will end his career, some have speculated that he could do so at the Olympic Games in Paris next year, as the tennis tournament will be held on the prestigious grounds of his beloved Roland Garros.

Rafael Nadal Career Achievements

As Nadal nears the latter stages of his decorated career, we at Tennishead wanted to reflect on some of his incredible achievements over the past 20 years:

Career-high Ranking: No.1 (209 weeks)

ATP titles: 92

Grand Slam titles: 22

ATP Masters 1000 titles: 36

Olympic medals: 2 (Singles Gold – Beijing 2008, Doubles Gold – Rio 2016)

ATP Finals Best Result: Final (2010 & 2013)

Davis Cup titles: 5 (2004, 2008, 2009, 2011 & 2019)