Coach Carlos Moya has shed light on Rafael Nadal’s uncertain comeback, indicating the potential for the Spaniard to continue beyond 2024, contingent upon his health and performance next year.

After Nadal’s June hip surgery, aiming for a return in 2024, uncertainties loomed over his future in tennis. The 37-year-old has since recuperated and is slated to make his comeback at the Brisbane International, commencing on December 31st.

Moya expressed the complexity of retiring from a sport that offers an adrenaline rush and acknowledged Nadal’s reluctance to close the door on his career. “If everything goes well, and endures, why not continue? If you enjoy, you have a good time and it is what you like to do, why not? But there are too many unknowns right now to say where we are going to be within a year,” Moya conveyed to ATP Tour Espanol.

Amidst speculation about Nadal’s potential success upon returning, the 20-time Grand Slam champion addressed the uncertainties surrounding his final season. “There are many chances that it will be my last year without any doubt. There are chances that it may only be half a year, there are possibilities that it may be a full year, there are possibilities that we may not be able to reach all that,” Nadal stated in a video following his comeback announcement.

Furthermore, Nadal emphasized his reluctance to bind himself to previous statements. “Because in the end I have worked a lot to come back to compete, and if suddenly things and my physique allow me to continue and I enjoy what I do, why am I going to set a deadline? I think it makes no sense,”

Nadal articulated in his message.

As Nadal gears up for his return, uncertainties persist regarding the duration and success of his final season. His resilience and passion for the sport continue to drive the conversation, leaving fans and tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipating his comeback while contemplating the potential extension of his illustrious career.

Rafael Nadal in 2023

Currently ranked no.666, Rafael played his last match on the 18^th of January when he surrendered to world no.41 Mackenzie Mcdonald 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the 2^nd round of the Australian Open (draw).

Currently, during this season Nadal has managed to achieve an overall 1-3 record.

Nadal is scheduled to compete next in Brisbane (Brisbane International). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 31st of December thanks to a wild card.

Rafael Nadal

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