"I expect from myself to expect nothing.": Rafael Nadal reduces euphoria about his return

Rafael Nadal, 37, has modest expectations for his return to tennis in January after being away from the courts for a year.

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Rafael Nadal announced on Friday that he will play in the Brisbane tournament in January. The 37-year-old Spaniard has not competed on the tour since last January, when he suffered a left hip flexor injury during a second-round loss at the Australian Open. Nadal ended up undergoing knee arthroscopy in June in Barcelona.

In a video broadcast on social media on Monday, Rafel Nadal said that he does not want to push himself too hard in his return to the courts. "I think I'm ready and I trust and hope that all goes well and it gives me the opportunity to enjoy myself on the court. I expect from myself to expect nothing."

De mi anuncio del viernes… algunas explicaciones esta semana. Aquí la primera:
👉🏻 Tengo y he tenido miedo de anunciar las cosas. Me ha causado miedo querer anunciar algo sin estar seguro al 100%…
👉🏻 Creo que estoy preparado y confío y espero que las cosas vayan bien y que me… pic.twitter.com/vHnDSQzBCx

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 4, 2023

Nadal indicated that he is aware that things may be different after so long without playing. "To have the ability not to demand myself what I have demanded myself throughout my career," the 22-time Grand Slam winner added.

Last May, with just over a week left before the start of the French Open, Rafael Nadal announced his withdrawal from the tournament in which he established a record of 14 titles. He could not specify then when he would be able to play again. He limited himself to expressing his desire to compete in 2024, which could be his last season. After Brisbane, Nadal will face the first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open, which will be played between January 14 and 28.

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Rafael Nadal ended his message on Monday leaving a note of optimism. "I have internalised what I have had throughout my life, which is demand myself the maximum. Right now what I really hope is to be able not to do that, to accept things are going to be very difficult at the beginning and give myself the necessary time," he added.