Rafael Nadal expressed his surprise at Craig Tiley's announcement regarding his return at the 2024 Australian Open, and fans shared their reactions on social media.
A couple of weeks ago, there was long-awaited news for Rafael Nadal's fans when it was announced that he would make his return to the tennis courts in 2024, in what is likely to be his final season as a professional.
The Spanish tennis legend last played at the Australian Open earlier this year, where he was defeated by Mackenzie McDonald in the second round. Injuries had prevented him from competing for the rest of the year. The 22-times Grand Slam champion had mentioned during the clay season that he was considering retirement in 2024 and left the date of his return uncertain.
Finally, the news of Nadal's return came out, but it wasn't through his own announcement. Instead, it was revealed by Craig Tiley, the director of the Australian Open, which even surprised Nadal himself. Fans took to social media to share their reactions to the unexpected announcement:
"I had no idea they would say that. I was the first one to be surprised because I don't even know it myself [when I'll return]. I understand and appreciate the hope of the Australian Open to have me there, my hope as well is to be there, but until this becomes a reality, there's still a long way to go," Nadal told to Movistar Plus+.
Nadal said he was 'surprised' Tennis Australia announced him for the Aus Open 2024. 🎙️🇪🇸 "I had no idea they would say that. I was the first one to be surprised because I don't even know it myself [when I'll return]. I understand and appreciate the hope of the Australian Open…
After it was revealed that Nadal wasn't even aware of Tiley's announcement, fans criticized the fact that the tournament director preemptively made a public statement about his return to the Tour.
Here are some of the fan reractions on X (former Twitter)
"Anything else needed to call out this man’s bluff? He announces players just to sell tickets, wake up," a fan's tweet read.
“I was the first to be surprised [when Tiley announced he’ll be at AO24], cause I don’t know.” Anything else needed to call out this man’s bluff? He announces players just to sell tickets, wake up.
- ¿El Open de Australia? - 😅 ''El primer sorprendido fui yo...''. #LaPistaDelTenis
A certain tournament director Down Under should be happy Rafa‘s such a relaxed and too nice for this world guy…
- ¿El Open de Australia? - 😅 ''El primer sorprendido fui yo...''. #LaPistaDelTenis
Rafa will be ready when he is ready. Tiley is not his spokesperson
- ¿El Open de Australia? - 😅 ''El primer sorprendido fui yo...''. #LaPistaDelTenis
Never change, Rafa 😍🥰😂
- ¿El Open de Australia? - 😅 ''El primer sorprendido fui yo...''. #LaPistaDelTenis
It’s a ridiculous situation. If he is to return in January he has no shot at even reaching a quarter final. It’s one full year without a single competitive match or preparation tournament. And still practicing with pain close to November.
Craig Tiley is as reliable as Wanna Marchi. For non-italian users, google this name and you'll understand.
In other words Craig Tiley is a liar 🤡
