Rafael Nadal's comeback at the 2024 Brisbane International has exceeded expectations, and the Spaniard is delighted with his progress.
Nadal was granted a wild card into the ATP 250 event, which marked precisely a year since he last played on tour. Having required a lengthy but successful hip surgery in order to prolong his career for at least one more season, his return has been a highly satisfying one.
Even though Nadal has dealt with a long list of injuries throughout his playing career, his absence in the past year is the longest layoff of his career, and he even lost his proud record of being ranked in the world's Top 10 for over 900 weeks.
In just his second visit to Brisbane, the 37-year-old has played with newfound confidence and verve and toppled the likes of Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler to reach the quarterfinal stage, where he lost to Jordan Thompson.
It is the 21st season of Nadal's career that he has reached the quarterfinal of at least one ATP event. Only Roger Federer (24), Jimmy Connors (23) and Feliciano Lopez (22) have made at least one quarterfinal in more seasons during the Open Era.
It is a huge milestone demonstrating Nadal's longevity of staying at the top of his game despite declining age and fighting off a long list of injuries. His level in practice and in the two matches he has played so far has left many questioning whether this is a farewell tour.
In his recent interview, Nadal has been forthright about playing beyond 2024 and has stated that he will listen to his body before making a final decision.
He says it is hard to make any predictions right now because there is so much uncertainty, and it would be best to wait for a few months to see how his body will respond.
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