Rafael Nadal admitted he is not '100 per cent sure' he will be able to play at the upcoming Australian Open after struggling through a quarter-final loss to Aussie Jordan Thompson at the Brisbane International.
The Spaniard suffered an injury scare during the gruelling warm-up contest, which saw him clutch at his left leg before later leaving the court to receive treatment.
"It is a very similar place to what happened last year, but different," Nadal said post-match, as he now faces a race to be fit in time for the January 14 `start date for the Aus Open.
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"For sure it’s not the same like last year at all because when it happened last year, I felt something drastic immediately.
"Today, I didn’t feel anything. The only problem is because the place is the same you are a little bit more scared than usual.
"I hope it’s not important and I hope to have the chance to practice next week and to play Melbourne. Honestly, I am not 100 per cent sure of anything right now."
Australian Open boss makes Nadal Australian Open claim, champion Spaniard responds
Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley first revealed late last year that the 22-time grand slam winner would make his long-awaited comeback at the Australian Open.
The Spaniard, who hadn’t featured on the circuit at that time since he suffered a second-round defeat to Mackenzie McDonald last January at Melbourne Park, has been plagued by hip and foot injuries in recent years.
Nadal has been vocal about his injury troubles with talk of retirement often punctuating the conversation when it comes to the 37-year-old.
"[The pain isn't gone] but now it is controllable," Nadal admitted to Spanish broadcaster Movistar.
"There are times when the foot does not let me live in peace. It is difficult for me to even go down the stairs sometimes."
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However, Tiley provided a major boost to tennis fans around the world when he revealed that Nadal would feature at this year’s Aussie Open.
"We can reveal exclusively here that Rafa will be back," Tiley said during an interview with Channel Nine’s Today Show.
"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!"
Nadal last won the tournament Down Under in 2022 after overcoming Daniil Medvedev to add to his win at the French Open during that year.
The two titles saw him become the most prolific men's major winner at the time, but he has since been overtaken by Novak Djokovic.
Nadal responded to Tiley's comments online, tempering expectations ahead of his return to action.
"I appreciate the vote of confidence from the Australian Open," Nadal wrote on social media.
"I am practising every day and working hard to come back [as soon as possible]."
I appreciate the vote of confidence from the Australian Open… I am practising every day and working hard to come back asap 💪🏻😉
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 11, 2023
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When discussing his potential return during the same interview with Movistar, Nadal also moved to downplay hopes of a triumphant return to the sport.
"The dream is not to come back and win Roland Garros or win Australia, so that people don't get confused, right?" he said.
"I am very aware that at the time I am in my life, all that is very far away. And I don’t say it’s impossible because in the end I say things - I have said it a thousand times - all things in sport, they change very quickly."
Tiley added that Nadal wouldn’t be returning to Australian shores simply to take part, as he highlighted the legend’s appetite for trophies.
"He's not going to come into the event unless he thinks he can win it," Tiley said.
"He's not going to just show up to play, he's going to show up to win."