Rafael Nadal's former coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, shared an update on the former ATP world number one's status as he recovers from surgery.
Nadal has kept a low profile for much of the 2023 season and has not featured since he withdrew from the Australian Open in January due to injury. Since then, Nadal has only spoken out publically to provide fans and the media with updates about his injury and possible plans to return to tennis in 2024, which is likely to be his final campaign.
Naturally, due to the 37-year-old keeping out of the spotlight, some question marks have been raised about Rafa's progress and whether he will return to tennis. However, when speaking to Spanish news outlet Relevo, Toni Nadal revealed that his nephew is in good health and gearing up for a comeback.
"Rafa is fine, on vacation, wanting to jump onto the court in 2024. Let’s hope that (Carlos) Alcaraz will let us win something then,”
"He is excited to return and retire on the court."
Toni Nadal spoke to the press at the 2023 Castilla y León Open, where Rafa won his first-ever hard court at Challenger level or above in 2003. The victory started a long-term spell at the top of the ATP Rankings, where the Spanish player secured 22 Grand Slams and 92 ATP titles during his elite career.
When speaking at the event this year, Toni Nadal was full of praise for the Castilla y León Open and all Challenger level competitions. In addition, the 62-year-old explained Rafa, among other players, have benefitted from the Challenger tour in the past.
"Winning the Challenger, which was said to be the best in the world, was important to us. It served us well as a good preparation for the US Open. We are very grateful for the effort of everyone who organizes tournaments of this level,”
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