Rafael Nadal was spotted working out together with youngster Holger Rune as he prepared for his comeback. At the Brisbane International, the 22-time Grand Slam title winner is ready to make his return following a year of injuries and recovery.
Nadal changed his training schedule, going from regular drills to matches against ATP players, in preparation for his one-year return to the professional circuit in 2024. After landing in Brisbane earlier in the day, the 37-year-old was quickly spotted training against Rune.
Rune became known as one of the young players to watch out for in the next season as he began to rise towards the end of the season.
Rune also shared a brief post about his training with the legendary Spanish player. He wrote: “No time for jet lag. Evening practice with Rafael Nadal.”
For both of them, it would be excellent preparation, as they want to build some momentum ahead of the real test at the Brisbane International and the highly anticipated Australian Open.
No time for jetlag 😜Evening practice with @RafaelNadal @BrisbaneTennis 🔛🔥 pic.twitter.com/dyeXqghlZS
— Holger Rune (@holgerrune2003) December 28, 2023
Rafa Nadal vs Holger Rune sur le court central de Brisbane. 👌
Le coup droit long de ligne quasiment en demi-volée, c'est çaaaa l'tennis.pic.twitter.com/HIXqsAsaOU
— Tennis Legend (@TennisLegende) December 28, 2023
Rafael Nadal in 2023
Now the world no.670, the Spaniard played his last match on the 18th of January when he capitulated to world no.41 Mackenzie Mcdonald 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
Currently, during this season the Spaniard has a composed 1-3 record.
He is also scheduled to play at the Australian Open (Australian Open) on the 14th of January and Brisbane (Brisbane International) on the 31st of December.
Holger Rune in 2023
WLLWWWLWLW Currently ranked no.8, the Dane played his last match on the 16th of November when he capitulated to world no.4 Jannik Sinner 6-2 5-7 6-4 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
This season Rune has a compiled 44-24 win-loss record. This year, the Dane conquered 1 title in Munich. Rune reached the final in Monte-Carlo and Rome.
He is also scheduled to play at the Australian Open (Australian Open) on the 14th of January and Brisbane (Brisbane International) on the 31st of December.
Rafael Nadal and Holger Rune have never squared off.
