Rafael Nadal states that he is prepared to confront his insecurities and self-doubt when he returns to Brisbane International next month.
This will be the 37-year-old Spanish superstar’s first game since arthroscopic hip surgery on his injured left psoas tendon.
The king of clay acknowledges that he is worried about how well his body will hold up to the demands of a return to the professional circuit. Nadal asserts that he feels prepared for this comeback challenge at the same moment.
Nadal said in video comments on Instagram: “I have been afraid to announce things because, in the end, it’s a year without competing. It’s a hip operation, but I’m most concerned about the hip; it’s everything else. The reality is that it’s been a long time and you have doubts about your body. But hey, I think I’m ready and confident and hopefully things will go well, and it will allow me to enjoy myself on the court again.”
He added: “In the end, it’s a long time. I hope, first of all, to feel those nerves again. That illusion, those fears, those doubts. I expect nothing from myself; this is the truth. To have the ability not to demand of myself what I’ve demanded of myself all my career.”
Rafael Nadal in 2023
Now the world no.664, Rafael played his last match on the 18th of January when he was overcome by world no.41 Mackenzie Mcdonald 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
This season the Spaniard has a composed 1-3 win-loss record.