Emotional Rafael Nadal triumphs in comeback
Rafael Nadal is back. The Spanish tennis star celebrates a strong comeback in Brisbane. After surgery, the superstar has fallen far down the world rankings, but can now go on his lap of honor full of hope. Or is the 37-year-old planning to retire?
Rafael Nadal was overjoyed as he threw his arms in the air and was celebrated by the enthusiastic crowd in Brisbane. Almost a year after his last match, the Spanish tennis king made an impressive return to the tour. The 37-year-old convincingly defeated Austria's Dominic Thiem 7:5, 6:1 and presented himself physically at his best after a long period of suffering.
"This is an emotional and important day for me. It was one of the toughest years of my career. Playing here makes me proud," said Nadal: "Thanks to everyone who has been there for me all year."
Nadal last played at the Australian Open in January 2023 and then underwent surgery on his hip flexor. He is currently only ranked 672nd in the world, but thanks to his "protected ranking" status, he did not have to compete in qualifying. Nadal converted his first match point after 1:29 hours against Thiem, who had won his only Grand Slam title in the final thriller of the US Open in New York against Alexander Zverev in 2020.
The crowning glory is to come in Paris
"I missed feeling healthy and being competitive. I'm very grateful," said Nadal, who showed no signs of physical problems 349 days after his second-round exit in Melbourne, when he writhed in pain and lost outright in three sets to the American Mackenzie McDonald.
Nadal moved well, played his strong forehand and dominated on his own serve. Thiem became more error-prone in the second set and had nothing more to offer the Majorcan. Nadal will now face local hero Jason Kubler in the round of 16. Before his comeback, Nadal had curbed his own euphoria. "I expect nothing from myself," he said slightly cryptically and spoke of a "difficult" start. However, after months of hard work in rehab and training, he was able to say with certainty: "I feel much better today than I expected a month ago."
The Australian hard courts should initially only serve as an assessment on the way to higher goals. Nadal should be aiming for his top level again by early summer at the latest. The temptations of the new season are great. At Nadal's absolute favorite tournament, the French Open, he wants to claim the historic title number 15 in June - the tennis competitions of the Paris Olympics will also take place at the same venue in the Stade Roland Garros.
Nadal could finally call it a day at the end of 2024 - even if he is still leaving a back door open in case things go better than expected. "Why should I set myself a limit?" he asked recently. On Tuesday, he immediately showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with.
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Rafael Nadal's triumph at the Australian Open is a testament to his resilience in tennis. After his comeback victory in Brisbane, he is now eying the crowning glory in Paris, aiming to claim his 15th title at the French Open.
With his impressive victory at the Australian Open, Rafael Nadal has shown that he is back to form and ready to claim title number 15 at the French Open, a tournament he holds dear in his tennis career.
Source: www.ntv.de
