Nadal told his comeback is ‘not normal’ as Spaniard given measure of success
Rafael Nadal is finally set to make his highly-anticipated comeback at the beginning of 2024. After a year away from the tour, the 22-time Major winner will be back in action at the Brisbane International before heading to the Australian Open. His return has been a huge talking point and retired tennis star Fabrice Santoro has now weighed in, claiming it wasn’t “normal” to be giving it another go at Nadal’s age.
Nadal has not competed since the 2023 Australian Open, where he picked up a left psoas injury. He then failed to make a comeback during the clay swing and shut down his season in May, later undergoing surgery. But the 37-year-old finally gave his fans the news they had been waiting to hear as he announced his return with a series of social media videos.
In the footage, the former world No 1 detailed his painful year on the sidelines and his decision to compete again. And Santoro has now weighed in on Nadal’s decision after being moved by his videos. “It’s not normal, especially at his age,” the former world No 17 told L’Equipe.
The six-time title winner added: “His publication is very beautiful, very sensitive and my hair stood on end when I was watching the video. Rafa has total sincerity because it is that incredible passion.” Nadal has been trying to tame expectations surrounding his comeback and Santoro also had some thoughts on what a successful return would look like.
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While some are hoping to see Nadal pick up a record-extending 15th French Open crown or win Olympic gold with the tennis event being staged at Roland Garros, Santoro thought that his attempt at coming back was “colossal” in itself.
“He knows the efforts it has required,” the 51-year-old explained, impressed with Nadal’s dedication to put in the work “when he has earned so much”. And Nadal’s results are irrelevant for Santoro, who believes that the Spaniard has already won by returning.
“If he wins Roland Garros, he would be superhuman on another occasion,” the Frenchman said. “If he doesn’t win any match it will be completely anecdotal. By the time he comes back, he has already won. I can’t wait to see him play in Australia.”
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In one of Nadal’s social media videos, the 37-year-old admitted that even he didn’t know what to expect from himself when he finally got back on the match court. ” I think I am ready. I don’t know at what level, I don’t know what to expect, I have no idea, but I don’t care right now,” he stressed.
“I’m just happy to be back and with great excitement to make the effort that is necessary to have fun and I believe that I will be competitive. I don’t aspire to anything else, (just) to be competitive.”
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