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MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain in a practice session as uncle and coach Toni Nadal watches on during day two of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters tennis at the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 13, 2015 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain in a practice session as uncle and coach Toni Nadal watches on during day two of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters tennis at the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 13, 2015 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The 2021 ATP season witnessed greats like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams having to forfeit the year midway owing to their respective injuries. Amongst them, the Spaniard was the first one to reveal intricate details regarding his comeback to the tour.
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Nadal, who had a foot treatment at his home, has already begun practicing and recently revealed that his goal was to be back as soon as possible. Now, his uncle and ex-coach Toni Nadal confirmed his nephew’s participation at the Australian Open next year.
Toni Nadal confirms the comeback tournament of Rafael Nadal next year
Journalist Jose Morgado shared the information on Twitter. Toni, who attended an event in Portugal, revealed the comeback details of Nadal.
“Toni Nadal was in Portugal today. Said Rafa is practicing well and should be 100% at the AusOpen”, wrote the journalist.
Toni Nadal was in Portugal today. Said Rafa is practicing well and should be 100% at the AusOpen.
Dozens of great quotes about Rafa, gonna post it over the next couple of days. pic.twitter.com/Puky6XYaWX
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) November 26, 2021
Toni’s confirmation meant that the former world no.1 will be back for the happy slam next year to give a tough fight to Novak Djokovic and other youngsters.
The Spaniard reached the quarters at the Australian Open this year, where he was outlasted by Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in five sets in a nail-biting thriller.
Even though Nadal didn’t have a stupendous record in Melbourne, his participation at the event will benefit his chances for the remainder of the tournaments next year, especially on clay.
Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 11, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his semi final match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
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The 20-time Grand Slam Champion will be looking to clinch victory once again at the French Open as Novak Djokovic stopped him from winning his 14th Paris crown. It was after this semi-final contest that Nadal talked about his foot injury and decided to skip the grass-court season.
Nadal’s instant comeback for the US hard-court season this year was not successful
While the Spaniard made a comeback at the US hard-court summer by playing the Citi Open for the first time, it turned out be unsuccessful as he lost in the third-round to Lloyd Harris. Eventually, Nadal decided to pull out of the remainder of the season and work on the injury.
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 5, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a forehand against Lloyd Harris of South Africa (not pictured) during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
A few days post Citi Open, the former world no.1 confirmed that his injury didn’t need a surgery and could be resolved with proper treatment. Nadal’s road to recovery seems right on track with uncle Toni confirming the same.
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