Cheery Rafael Nadal Beats The Jetlag To Start His Comeback Campaign, As The King Of Clay Challenges Rune In … – EssentiallySports

The sun is shining bright and so is the smile of Rafael Nadal in the Sunshine State of the ‘Land Down Under’. The ‘King of Clay’ is making a comeback after almost a gap of 1 year. He had to put an early end to his season in 2023 after he sustained a hip injury in the second-round match at the AO. But every cloud has a silver lining.

In recent news, Rafael Nadal was seen with all smiles as he arrived at the Queensland Tennis Centre. Earlier this month he had announced his participation at the Brisbane International which is scheduled to take place from December 31 to January 7. This tournament is one of four tournaments that takes place at the start of the season. Let’s find out what Nadal has to say about the tournament.

Rafael Nadal lands in Brisbane with a bright smile

The 37-year-old Spanish icon landed in Australia late on Wednesday evening. He had last made an appearance at the Brisbane International way back in 2017. He had reached the quarterfinals that time. How far will he reach this time? Well, making a comeback after going under the knife two times this year, won’t be easy. But he’s leaving no stones unturned to say goodbye on his terms in what supposedly will be his last season on Tour.

A few days back he was seen practicing with Arthur Fils at his training centre in Kuwait. The former number one wanted to ensure his body gets adjusted to the climate of the Australian summer. Then he came back to his hometown only to hit the court with some of his friends from the tennis world.

Even in Brisbane, Nadal was seen practicing at Show Court Two just a few hours after his arrival. Here’s what Rafa said on his return, “(I’m) happy to be back on the tour and happy to be here in Brisbane after a few years.” Rafael Nadal was also accompanied by the world number 8, Holger Rune in the evening at Pat Rafter Arena during his practice sessions.

The Danish who had also arrived a few hours ago recently took X (formerly Twitter) and posted a photo of their evening practice. Rune looks to make a mark on the biggest stage. While the ‘GOAT’ looks to put an end to his illustrious career standing tall above all.

Nadal eyes his 23rd Grand Slam

Rafael Nadal will look to settle his unfinished business next year at Melbourne Park. Just after 7 days of completion of the Brisbane International, the ball will get rolling at the AO. Rafael Nadal will compete in the 119-year-old tournament by using a protected ranking.

The Spaniard has won 77 out of his 93 matches in the first Grand Slam of the season. Out of his 22 Grand Slam titles, 2 came in the AO. His first victory came in 2009 when he beat his arch-rival Roger Federer at the finals. And, his second came 13 years later when he defeated Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling 5 hours 24 minutes encounter. What’s up for this season?

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