Will Rafa, the great, the unique, the incomparable court fighter, make his return to the courts of Melbourne for the first round of the 2024 Grand Slam, from January 15 to 28?
At least that’s what Craig Tiley, director of the Australian Open, announced on an Australian television channel on Wednesday. Tiley delivered the news on ‘The Today Show’ on the Nine Network. “We can say here exclusively that Rafa will be back,” he assured. He’s been out since the start of the year but speaking with him over the last few days, he confirmed he’ll be back, which is honestly exciting. It’s awesome. »
Rafael Nadal, 37, 22-time Grand Slam winner, has not played since… the Australian Open last January, after a hip injury and a defeat in the second round of the tournament against the American Mackenzie McDonald. The Mallorcan is now ranked 240th player in the world at the ATP.
Benito Perez-Barbadillo, Rafael Nadal’s representative, however, tempered Tiley’s announcement. In a message sent to the Reuters agency, the press secretary said that there was nothing official yet about his protégé’s next program.
Furthermore, Tiley also suggested that the Australian Nick Kyrgios, injured this year in a knee then a wrist, and who has not played since June, could also participate in the 2024 edition of his national tournament.
Finally, the boss of the Australian Open said he hoped for the return of Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki, all three of whom took a break from their careers to give birth to a child.
