 122023.jpg?h=920929c4&itok=4AKnD4q2 "When did Rafael Nadal last play tennis? Spanish legend to make return at Brisbane International")
Rafael Nadal will make his long-awaited return to the court during the 2024 Australian summer of tennis.
The Spanish star has confirmed his participation in the Brisbane International as he gears up for another Australian Open campaign.
As his legendary career winds down, can Nadal make more memories Down Under?
Book now to secure your spot at the 2024 Brisbane International
When did Rafael Nadal last play tennis?
Nadal has not featured on the professional tennis circuit since his second-round defeat to Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in January 2023.
The 22-time grand slam champion has been battling hip and foot injuries in recent years.
"[The pain isn't gone] but now it is controllable," Nadal admitted to Spanish broadcaster Movistar in September.
"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."
While he has since been approved to make his return, Nadal is realistic about his chances considering his age and injury history.
"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."
When does Rafael Nadal play next?
Nadal will return to the court for the first time in almost a year at the Brisbane International.
The tournament will begin on Sunday, December 31, 2023 and finish on Sunday, January 7, 2024.
When the draw is announced closer to the event, we will know exactly when the Spaniard will be in action.
Nadal has been announced to play at the Brisbane International on three occasions previously – 2017, 2018, 2019 – but only competed in 2017 due to injuries prior to the other events.
Brisbane International - 2024 ATP entry list
| Player | Rank |
| Holger Rune (DEN) | 8 |
| Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) | 14 |
| Ben Shelton (USA) | 17 |
| Ugo Humbert (FRA) | 20 |
| Sebastian Korda (USA) | 24 |
| Sebastian Baez (ARG) | 28 |
| Tomas Martin Etcheverry (ARG) | 30 |
| Reilly Opelka (USA) | 33 |
| Aslan Karatsev | 35 |
| Roman Safiullin | 39 |
| Alexei Popyrin (AUS) | 40 |
| Andy Murray (GBR) | 42 |
| Matteo Arnaldi (ITA) | 44 |
| Max Purcell (AUS) | 45 |
| Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) | 47 |
| Alexander Shevchenko | 48 |
| Yannick Hanfmann (GER) | 51 |
| J.J. Wolf (USA) | 53 |
| Jordan Thompson (AUS) | 55 |
| Daniel Altmaier (GER) | 56 |
| Marton Fucsovics (HUN) | 59 |
| Marcos Giron (USA) | 60 |
| [WC] Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) | 62 |
| [WC] Rinky Hijikata (AUS) | 71 |
| [WC] Rafael Nadal (ESP) | 664 |
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Book now to secure your spot at the 2024 Brisbane International
How old is Rafael Nadal? Spanish tennis legend nears retirement
Nadal himself has admitted he is nearing the end of his illustrious tennis career.
The 37-year-old is likely to retire after the 2024 season, confirming this was a possibility when he withdrew from the French Open.
"It’s probably going to be my last year on the professional tour [but] I can’t say this 100 per cent because you never know what’s going to happen," Nadal said.
"The injury I suffered in Australia has not healed as we hoped.
"Roland Garros became impossible. I will not be there after many years, with everything that (tournament) means to me."
Book now to secure your spot at the 2024 Brisbane International