The Australian Open is ready to welcome back Rafael Nadal from his extended injury layoff in January, tournament director Craig Tiley announced on Wednesday.
"We can reveal exclusively here that Rafa will be back,” Tiley told Australia’s Nine Network. "He's been off for most of the year, and in talking to him over the last few days he confirmed he will be back, which we're really excited about. That's awesome.”
In response, Nadal stopped short of fully guaranteeing that he would be ready in time for the Open, tweeting: “I appreciate the vote of confidence from the Australian Open… I am practising every day and working hard to come back asap.”
The Spaniard, who has hinted that 2024 may be the final season of his career, has not competed since his second-round defeat to Mackenzie McDonald in January at the 2023 edition of the hard-court major in Melbourne.
The 22-time major winner Nadal underwent surgery on his iliopsoas muscle in his left leg in June, but recently revealed he is hopeful of being competitive when he returns to action. The 37-year-old is a two-time Australian Open champion, having lifted the trophy at Melbourne Park, where he lifted the trophy in 2009 and 2022.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated to reflect Nadal’s response on Twitter.
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