When Rafael Nadal appeared at Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall ahead of his eagerly anticipated comeback to action at the Brisbane International, he was greeted by an ocean of smiling supporters.
At the ATP 250 and WTA 500 combined events, the 37-year-old is making a comeback to competitive tennis after a nearly year-long absence due to a hip injury requiring surgery.
Nadal visited the practice courts after arriving in Brisbane earlier this week, and he recently had an interaction with fans at the crowded Queen Street Mall. Pictures and videos of the Spaniard touring the area, observed by a sea of happy supporters, were shared by Brisbane International. Later, the Spaniard posed for a picture with the fans.
On December 30, the ATP 250 event draw will take place. Nadal has been given a wildcard to the main draw.
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Tennis royalty hits Queen Street Mall đź‘‘
Thank you, @RafaelNadal. A lot of happy fans in Brisbane today 🥳 pic.twitter.com/yZ5TMZwCpI
— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) December 29, 2023
Rafael Nadal in 2023
Ranked no.670, Nadal played his last match on the 18th of January when he surrendered to world no.41 Mackenzie Mcdonald 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
Until now, during this year Rafael has a compiled 1-3 win-loss 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.