RIYAD.- Rafael Nadal “he is not the type of player who comes back just to play,” but rather he will have “the goal of winning a Grand Slam“said the number 1 of the ATPthe Serbian Novak Djokovicquestioned about the return of the Spanish tennis player to the circuit, scheduled for Sunday in Brisbane.
At 37 years old, Nadal returns to the courts after an almost blank 2023 season due to a hip injury, in what he himself already anticipated as surely the “last season” of his career. without being able to ensure that he is “100%” recovered from his physical problems.
“I always expect him to give his best.. Some ventured that he was near his end, as they did with me. But we’ve proven both of them wrong.“Djokovic assured a group of media, including AFP, before playing an exhibition match against the also Spaniard. Carlos Alcaraz this Wednesday in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).
“He is not the type of player who returns to the circuit just to play.Let’s say, at a medium level, to play a handful of games. He wants to win titles, he wants to be the best, that’s why he is what he is: a legend of our sport. I am sure that his training and preparation are focused on winning a Grand Slam“added the tennis player with the most titles in major tournaments (24, compared to Nadal’s 22).
Alcaraz also expects the best version of Nadal:
After almost a year without stepping on the courts, after their elimination in the second round in the Australian Open, The former number 1 has fallen to 670th place in the world rankings.
“I think it’s ready. I have seen videos of him training, he is 100%. Other players have told me that they have been training with Rafa in recent weeks and that he is going to return to a good level. At your best level. I think he is prepared to do great things this year as well,” Alcaraz estimated on his part, asked about the return of his compatriot.
Source: AFP
