"He is a winner, but it can't be all suffering": Rafael Nadal shouldn't lose faith if comeback doesn't succeed immediately says Alex Corretja

After spending almost a year on the sidelines, Rafael Nadal is set to make his comeback for the 2024 season, and tennis analyst Alex Corretja believes the Spaniard may have to deal with more than just health issues during the year.

Nadal has been out of action since suffering a hip injury at the 2023 Australian Open, which led to him sitting out the entire 2023 season. However, the former World No.1 will be making his return at the 2024 Brisbane International, which runs from December 31, 2023 - January 7, 2024.

"Just thinking and saying Rafa's name, I get excited because of everything he transmits, the hopes that his return has generated, seeing that he is eager to compete again," Corretja said in an appearance on Eurosport.. "For me, the results are really going to be the least important thing. He has the winning gene in his heart and he will have it until he retires. If he wins more or less matches, I am not worried about it, but if he is physically well and healthy and has no problems, I am convinced that we will see a Rafa who will win big titles again."

Furthermore, the former player acknowledges the fact that Nadal will have to monitor his workload during the season, in order to remain healthy. Nonetheless, the 22-time Grand Slam champion will still have to play in a manner that will allow him to compete with the best players on tour.

“For me, with the way Rafa plays, he needs matches that are long, but not agonizingly long, that he doesn't suffer too much," added Corretja. "I think he is at a point in his career where he has to find a way to play with a kind of joy. I understand that he is a winner and he likes to succeed but it can't be all suffering.”