Spanish tennis legend Conchita Martinez is warning that Rafael Nadal has proved many over the course of his career that he can never be ruled out. Nadal, 37, underwent surgery on his psoas muscle in early June and he is targeting to return to tennis in 2024 after appearing in just two tournaments this year.
When announcing his French Open withdrawal in May, Nadal also revealed his plans to retire from pro tennis in 2024. During a special press conference in Mallorca, Nadal also highlighted that being healthy and competing at the 2024 French Open and Paris Olympics is high on his wish list.
Martinez on Nadal’s 2024 return
“Well, he said it was going to be a farewell year in the tournaments he wants, and that’s the way it has to be. Whenever Rafa has had injuries he has always got up and come back stronger, he has won important tournaments.
I think that’s going to be his goal. But with injuries we can’t fight, I hope he recovers. He is in the best hands, especially with Doctor (Angel Ruiz) Cotrorro. I have no doubt that he is doing the right things, they are not going to take any risks.
If he is fit, he will have a very competitive year. If he doesn’t feel that way, we’ll see, then he will focus on the tournaments that really matter to him, which will be Roland Garros and some previous ones. Hopefully he will come back stronger.
We should never rule him out, he always surprises us,
During a recent interview with AS Diario, Nadal was asked how sure he was that the 2024 season was going to be his last year.
Answering the question, Nadal didn’t close the doors on playing beyond 2024 but also added he is “pretty convinced” that next year will be his last.